Should They File a Tax Return? (2024)

Tim is 16 years old, a high school student, and lives with his parents. He earned $5,200 at his part-time job.

Can Tim be claimed as a Dependent?

• YES

  He lives with his parents and they provide at least 50% of his support (food, shelter, clothing)

• NO

  If he has a job, he can't be a dependent

Tim is 16 years old, a high school student, and lives with his parents. He earned $5,200 at his part-time job.

Is he legally required to file a tax return?

• YES

  He earned more than $14,600

• NO

  He earned less than $14,600

Tim is 16 years old, a high school student, and lives with his parents. He earned $5,200 at his part-time job. 

Should Tim file a tax return?

• YES

  He may qualify to get a tax refund.

• NO

  If he doesn't HAVE to file, he shouldn't file a tax return.

Jessica is 24 years old and lives in her own apartment. She earned $48,000 from her salaried position last year.

Can Jessica be claimed as a dependent?

• YES

  She is 24 years old.

• NO

  She lives in her own apartment.

Jessica is 24 years old and lives in her own apartment. She earned $48,000 from her salaried position last year.

Is Jessica legally required to file a tax return?

• YES

  Her income was more than $14,600

• NO

  Her income was less than $14,600

Mason is 17 years old, a junior in high school, and lives with his parents. He had unearned income of $750. 

Can Mason be claimed as a dependent?

• YES

  He lives with his parents

• NO

  He had unearned income

Mason is 17 years old, a junior in high school, and lives with his parents. He had unearned income of $750. 

Is he legally required to file a tax return?

• YES

  He had income

• NO

  His unearned income is less than $1,300

Mason is 17 years old, a junior in high school, and lives with his parents. He had unearned income of $750. 

Should he file a tax return anyway?

• YES

  He had an income, so he should file a tax return

• NO

  Unearned income up to $1,300 is not taxed - he won't get a refund

Kathryn is 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, and lives with her parents. She had $200 in unearned income and earned $800 from her part-time job. 

Can she be claimed as a dependent?

• YES

  She lives with her parents and they provide more than 50% of her needs (food, shelter, clothing)

• NO

  She earned money at a job

Kathryn is 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, and lives with her parents. She had $200 in unearned income and earned $800 from her part-time job. 

Is she legally required to file a tax return?

• YES

  She earned money

• NO

  Her unearned income was less than $1,300

  Her earned income was less than $14,600

  Her gross income ($1,000) was less than $1,300

  Her gross income ($1,000) was less than her earned income + $450 ($1,250)