Teens work a variety of jobs for extra money, they may be employed in the family business, or have unearned income from interest or dividends. In 2022, any child that earned $1,150 or more in unearned income is required to file a return. Tax laws surrounding teens, their income, and the type of income are complex. If in doubt, it’s best to hire a tax professional.

Earned Income

Anyone earning $12,550 or more is required to file a federal tax return and that includes teens. A minor that earns $400 or more in wages or tips working full- or part-time must file a tax return. Even if the teen isn’t required to file a return, it’s a good idea to do so if the employer withheld federal income tax from earnings.

Dependents

However, there are some important elements attached to the question of teen tax returns. It will depend on if the teen is 19 or younger, age 24 and a student, or permanently disabled. Another consideration is if the parent provided 50 percent or more of their support and how many months of the year the teen lived with their parent. If any of those situations apply, the teen may still qualify as a dependent.

Unearned Income

A teen that qualifies as a dependent and has unearned income of more than $1,100 must file a return. However, if the teen only had unearned income, parents may be able to include that income on their own tax return. The disadvantage is that it might propel parents into a higher tax bracket.

Earned & Unearned

Teens that have both earned and unearned income, will need to file their own return if they have more than $1,100 of unearned income, over $12,550 in earned income, or if the combined total is the larger of $1,100 or earned income of up to $12,200 plus $350.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

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Filing income taxes can be difficult enough with the constant changes to IRS rules. The situation becomes significantly more difficult when a teen and their income are involved. You’ll need to have a variety of information at your fingertips. The IRS sets dollar amount limits and whether or not your teen will have to file a tax return will depend on their total income was from all sources.

Income Levels

Unlike adults, there’s more flexibility when a child is filing, but that can also make it more complicated. If your child has income above the level set by the IRS, he/she won’t need to file. However, when a child has both earned and unearned income, the two will have to be added together to determine their filing status.

Financial Support

You can claim your child if you provide more than 50 percent of their financial support, they live with you more than half the year, and they’re under the age of 19 during the entire year. You can claim them up to the age of 24 if they’re a full-time student, even if they live outside your home due to their education.

Wages and Salary

The type of income your child has will also affect their filing status. Dependent children that have earned income of more than $12,400 (as of 2020) through wages and salaries must file. They may also owe income taxes. A child’s standard deduction can’t exceed the larger of $1,100 or their earned income plus $350. The maximum is $12,400.

Investment Income

A child’s investment income is treated differently. It’s considered unearned income when acquired through dividend or interest payments, for example. If all the child’s money was unearned income, you can include it on your return and combine it with your income. However, doing so has the potential of elevating you to a higher tax bracket.

At Peavy and Associates PC our mission is to assist you with all your tax preparations, payroll and accounting needs.  We provide our clients with professional, personalized accounting services and guidance in a wide range of financial and business needs. Give us a call today and discover why our clients return to Peavy and Associates, PC year after year!

Contact Us Today