I’m trying to understand child tax filing requirements. If my child made $5,000 last year, does he have to file — Do children have to pay taxes?
To answer your question: do children have to pay taxes, the answer is no if your child’s only income for the tax year is $5,000 in wages. However, your child might want to file to get a refund of taxes withheld from wages.
Child tax filing requirements dictate that your child is required to file if your child meets one of these requirements:
- Unearned income more than $1,050
- Earned income more than $12,000
- Gross income more than the larger of:
- $1,050
- Earned income up to $5,950 plus $350
- A married dependent with a spouse who itemizes deductions on a separate return is required to file with $5 of income.
Related Resources
Do you need a donation receipt letter to claim a tax deduction? Learn more from the tax experts at H&R Block.
Can you claim education credits if you don't claim a child as a dependent? Learn more from the tax experts at H&R Block.
Determine which tax filing status to use if your same-sex partner passes away. The team at H&R Block is here to help.
Can you claim your parents as dependents? What about claiming an adult child? If your whole family lives together, learn more with the experts at H&R Block.
