Does my child need to file taxes if he or she earns income — Is filing a separate child income tax return necessary?

Regarding a child income tax return, how much he or she earned and from what activity will dictate and determine: does my child need to file taxes? Don’t worry — we’ll help you determine what you and your child need to do.

If your child or dependent is under age 65, he or she must file a return if one of these applies to his or her income:

• Unearned income more than $1,050
• Earned income more than $12,000
• Gross income more than the larger of these:
  • $2,100
  • Earned income (up to $5,950) plus $350

If your child or dependent is age 65 or older or blind, the filing requirement will be the above amounts plus these amounts:

• $1,550 if filing single
• $1,250 if one of these:
  • Married filing jointly
  • Married filing separately
  • Qualifying widow(er)

Even if your dependent isn’t required to file a return, he or she must file to receive a refund due from wage withholding.

Earned income is usually:

• Wages
• Salaries
• Professional fees
• Other compensation for personal services