April 25, 2025April 25, 2025
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Do You Need to File a Return for Your Child?

If your child earned some income this year—whether from a summer job, investments, or side hustles—you might be wondering: Do they need to file a tax return? The answer depends on how much and what type of income they received. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you figure it out.

1. When Does a Child Need to File a Tax Return? 📄

There are two main types of income that matter:

1. Earned Income (Wages, Tips, Jobs) 💼

If your child earned income from a job (part-time work, babysitting, etc.), they must file a federal tax return if their total earned income was over $14,600 in 2024.

2. Unearned Income (Investments, Interest, Dividends) 💰

If your child had unearned income, like from a savings account or stock dividends, they need to file a return if they made more than $1,250 in 2024.

3. Both Earned and Unearned Income 🧮

If your child had both types of income, they need to file if their total income exceeds the greater of:

  • $1,250 or

  • Earned income + $400 (up to the $14,600 limit)

2. What About Taxes Withheld from Their Paycheck? 💸

Even if your child earned less than the filing threshold, they might want to file a return if federal or state income tax was withheld from their paycheck—so they can get a refund.

💡 Tip: Look for Form W-2 from their employer—it shows any taxes withheld.

3. Can You Include Their Income on Your Return? 👨‍👩‍👧

In some cases, you can report your child’s unearned income (like interest and dividends) on your tax return using Form 8814—but only if:

  • The child is under 19 (or under 24 if a full-time student)

  • Their income is only from interest/dividends and is less than $11,500

⚠️ This doesn’t apply to earned income like wages.

4. Can a Child Still Be Claimed as a Dependent? ✅

Yes! Filing a tax return does not prevent you from claiming your child as a dependent on your return, as long as they meet the IRS rules (like age, residency, and support requirements).

5. How to File a Child’s Return 🧾

You can file your child’s return:

  • Using tax software (most allow you to file for dependents)

  • With the help of a tax preparer

  • By mailing a paper Form 1040 if needed

If your child is under 16, you’ll likely need to sign the return as the parent.

Final Thoughts 🌟

If your child made money this year, it’s a good idea to review their income and tax documents. They may not always be required to file—but doing so could lead to a refund and help them start learning about taxes early on.

✅ Quick Checklist:

  • Check if their income is above the filing thresholds

  • Look for any withheld taxes

  • File if required—or if a refund is likely!

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