Tax Help: Reporting Child's Earned Income

[Buccaneer]

I have a 17 yr old stepson that started working last year and he had an earned income of about $1400. According to the tax information, I don't have to report his income on our taxes and he doesn't have to file his own return since his income is under $5,150. Is this correct? How do I get back the federal income tax they took out from his income?

[Logan]

(Not an accountant...)

But I would think you would get the withheld tax by filing the return that you're not required to. I worked as a camp counselor when I was around that age and earned about $2,000 for the summer. I think my parents filed one for me anyway, and I would get a few hundred back.

Unless I'm missing your point entirely.

[cougarfreak]

(Not an accountant...)

But I would think you would get the withheld tax by filing the return that you're not required to. I worked as a camp counselor when I was around that age and earned about $2,000 for the summer. I think my parents filed one for me anyway, and I would get a few hundred back.

Unless I'm missing your point entirely.

I was thinking along the same lines..........

[KevinNU7]

Yes you aren't required to file but you should

[Buccaneer]

If he files separately, does that mean I cannot claim him on our returns?

[st.cronin]

If he files separately, does that mean I cannot claim him on our returns?

Not if his income is below a certain number, which my guess is that it is.

[Mustang]

If he files separately, does that mean I cannot claim him on our returns?

He would fill out the 1040 EZ form and check that someone else can claim him as a dependent which would make the standard deduction either $5,150 or his income (whichever is less).

[lordscarlet]

You can still claim him, and he should file a return. He'll get money back.

[Ksyrup]

You can still claim him, and he should file a return. He'll get money back.


Yeah, this is what I did when I was a kid working at the local grocery store. I filled out 1040EZ, got some money back, and my parents still claimed me because I made so little.

Is the reason you aren't sure how to handle this due to (a) how long it's been since you were a teen working a part-time job, or (b) the fact that your teenage years predated the 16th Amendment? ;) :p :D

[Pumpy Tudors]

I don't know the answer, but I can get an accountant to join me in the basement if you need to know in a hurry.