Dependent with W-2 and filing tax return

[MaskedMan]

My 17 year old child got a W-2 and earned $520 in 2020. Does she need to file a Federal and/or State(Virginia) tax return?

[VolvoGirl]

You don't include their income on your return. It would only go on their return if they are required to file one.  They don't have to file if they only have W2 income under 12,400 but can file to get back any withholding taken out in boxes 2 or 17.  But you don't get boxes 4 or 6 back.

To file a separate return for a dependent you need to set up a new account separate from the parents.  Online is only good for one return per account.  You can use the same email address for 5 accounts.  You can probably use the Free Edition or the Free File website

Https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894512-how-do-i-start-another-return-in-turbotax-online 

Be sure on the dependent return you check the box that says you can be claimed on someone else’s return.  If your only income is W2 and under 12,400 you do not have to file a return except to get back any withholding taken out.

Filing requirements for a dependent

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/children-dependents/help/do-i-need-to-file-my-own-taxes-if-i-m-a-d...

[CSKcpa56]

If your dependent is below the filing threshhold requirement and they have withholding it might be a good idea to have them will out a new W-4 that way they don't have to go through the hassle of filing.