When Is it Required for Full-Time Students to File Income Taxes?

Whether or not a person is required to file a tax return depends on his income or filing status. Although students are not always required to file a return, there are instances where it is beneficial to file.

Significance

If you are a student who earned above the amount required to file, then you will need to file an income tax return. The amount required to file for each individual filing status (single, married filing separate, married filing joint, head of household or widow) can be found on the Internal Revenue Service website, irs.gov.

Exceptions

If you earn at least $108.28 from church income, even if you are a full-time student, then you are required to file a return. In addition, if you are self-employed and earned more than $400, then you are required to file a return. (Both figures are as of the 2009 tax year.)

Considerations

Often, parents of full-time students claim them as dependents on their tax returns. This is because, in many cases, parents provide the majority of support for full-time students. Students who worked and had federal tax withheld but did not meet the filing requirement should file a return in order to be refunded the tax withheld.

Warning

Two taxpayers cannot claim the same dependent. If you and your parents both claim your exemption, then one of you must file an amended return to remove the exemption.

Time Frame

The time frame for filing an electronic return is 10 days; it is six to eight weeks for a paper return.

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Do You Need to File a Federal Return
• Internal Revenue Service: Your First Job
• Internal Revenue Service: Your Federal Income Tax (PDF)