Dependent child with earned income and SSA

[4dixietoo]

A 17 year old child worked last year and made earned income of $1293. He also receives survivor benefits from SSA and received a total of $6000 last year from these benefits. Does his wages need to be claimed on the legal guardians' tax return? Or should he file a tax return of his own and be claimed as a dependent on the guardians tax return? Only $29 was deducted from his wages for federal taxes.

[LeonardS]

No, his wages do not need to be claimed by his legal guardians.  He can file his own tax return to get a refund of his $26 withheld.  If he files his own return he needs to check the box Someone can claim: You as a dependent.

[Kevin570]

I have a similar situation I could use some advice on.  My Fiancé has a 15 year old daughter that got $19,548 in survivor benefits from her father that passed away 2-yrs ago.  Should she file her own taxes or should my Fiancé claim that on hers? 

[xmasbaby0]

@Kevin570 No your GF should not put her child's SS benefits on her own tax return.   The child's SS benefits do not go on any tax return unless someday the child herself has an after school or summer job, etc. or some other taxable income.   Then -- and only then--- the daughter would file a tax return and include the SSA1099 on her own tax return.

[Kevin570]

Thank you for your help!