OVERVIEW
Even if your kids are young enough to be your dependents, they may still have to pay taxes. In some cases, you may be able to include their income on your tax return; in others, they'll have to file their own tax return. The need to file depends on both the amount and source of the minor's income.
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Key Takeaways • 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. |
Youngsters are especially ambitious these days, and even if your kids are young enough to be your dependents, they may have to pay taxes. In some cases, you may be able to include their income on your tax return; in others, they'll have to file their own tax return. Whether this is required depends on both the amount and source of the minor’s income.
Earned income
A minor who may be claimed as a dependent has to file a return once their income exceeds their standard deduction. For tax year 2022 this is the greater of $1,150 or the amount of earned income plus $400 up to the full standard deduction of $12,950.
As an example, a 15-year-old who works after school and earns less than $12,950 would owe nothing in taxes. Even so, if an employer withheld taxes from her paycheck, she'll have to file a tax return to obtain a refund.
Unearned income
The IRS also has a cutoff level for "unearned income," such as dividends or interest. If your child's income is above this year's level, they need to file; below that point, they aren't required to file a tax return. The amount for 2022 is $1,150.
If the child has both earned and unearned income, both amounts must be added together to determine if the total income triggers the mandatory filing requirement. The IRS provides a formula for figuring this out in Publication 929.
TurboTax Tip: If your child earns more than $1,150 in unearned income (tax year 2022), you can claim the income on your own return. There are restrictions, and you may pay a higher tax, but it will save your child from having to file a return for unearned income.
Additional requirements
Even if a minor's income is less than the minimum threshold, the IRS sets other conditions that may require a tax return to be filed. A minor must file, for example, if a minor owes Social Security or Medicare taxes on tip income.
In addition, a minor with income from self-employment may owe Self-Employment Tax, which means paying both the employee’s and employer's share of Social Security and Medicaid taxes. The income trigger for owing tax for self employment is $400 in 2022.
Filing on your child's behalf
If your child is required to file a tax return for unearned income, the IRS gives you the option of claiming the money on your return instead. There are certain restrictions, including a limit to the amount of money involved, and the tax you’ll owe may be greater than if your child filed an individual return. If you qualify, file Form 8814 with your 1040 and the IRS will not require your child to file.
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