turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
turbotax icon
cancel
Showing results for 
Search instead for 
Did you mean: 
Announcements
Close icon
Do you have a TurboTax Online account?

We'll help you get started or pick up where you left off.

Dependent tax

Can my dependent child start earning before turning 18 years old. If yes, since what age does my dependent child have to file his/her own taxes?

x
Do you have an Intuit account?

Do you have an Intuit account?

You'll need to sign in or create an account to connect with an expert.

1 Best answer

Accepted Solutions
John-H2021
Employee Tax Expert

Dependent tax

Hello,

 

Your dependent can start earning money at any age.

 

 A minor who may be claimed as a dependent must file a return if their income exceeds their standard deduction ($12,950 for tax year 2022).

• A minor who earns less than $12,950 will not owe taxes but may choose to file a return to receive a refund of withheld earnings.

• A child who earns $1,150 or more (tax year 2022) in "unearned income,” such as dividends or interest, needs to file a tax return.

• A minor who earns tips or makes more than $400 (tax year 2022) in self-employment income will have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes, regardless of their total earnings.

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/at-what-income-does-a-minor-have-to-file-an-income-tax-r...

 

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

View solution in original post

2 Replies
John-H2021
Employee Tax Expert

Dependent tax

Hello,

 

Your dependent can start earning money at any age.

 

 A minor who may be claimed as a dependent must file a return if their income exceeds their standard deduction ($12,950 for tax year 2022).

• A minor who earns less than $12,950 will not owe taxes but may choose to file a return to receive a refund of withheld earnings.

• A child who earns $1,150 or more (tax year 2022) in "unearned income,” such as dividends or interest, needs to file a tax return.

• A minor who earns tips or makes more than $400 (tax year 2022) in self-employment income will have to pay Social Security or Medicare taxes, regardless of their total earnings.

 

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/family/at-what-income-does-a-minor-have-to-file-an-income-tax-r...

 

 

**Say "Thanks" by clicking the thumb icon in a post
**Mark the post that answers your question by clicking on "Mark as Best Answer"

Dependent tax

MY DEPENDENT HAD A JOB

If your dependent has a W-2 for his after-school job, summer job, etc. you do not include the information on your own return. You can still claim your child as a dependent on your own return.  He/she can file his own return for a refund of some of his withheld wages (he won’t get back anything for Social Security or Medicare), but MUST indicate on it that he can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return.  (Supervise this closely or prepare it for him!)

 

If your dependent’s earnings were over $400 and were reported on a 1099Misc or 1099NEC then he must file a return and pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.

 

 

You might also want to use free software from the IRS Free File versions:

https://apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile/

**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
message box icon

Get more help

Ask questions and learn more about your taxes and finances.

Post your Question
Manage cookies