How to File Taxes for Children
Taxes don't seem like something a child should have to deal with, but if he works or has interest income he might. If a child has at least $900 of unearned income or $5,450 of earned income, he is required to file a tax return. These directions assume the child does not qualify for any credits, has only a form W-2 or 1099-INT, and is claimed as a dependent by another.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Child's W-2 or 1099-INT
- IRS Form 1040
- IRS Publication 1040 Instructions
- Optional:
- Tax Preparation Software
- Professional Tax Preparation Service
-
Complete Form 1040
-
1
Fill in your child's name, address, and social security number at the top of the form 1040.
-
2
Check box 1, single, in the filing status section.
-
3
Leave the exemptions boxes empty and write a zero on line 6d.
-
4
Enter the total of your child's earned income from the W-2 on line 7 of the 1040.
-
5
Enter the total income from form 1099-INT, found on line 1, in line 8a of the 1040.
-
6
Add the amounts on lines 7 and 8 and write the total on line 22. This is your child's total income.
-
7
Enter a zero on line 36, and enter the amount from line 22 on lines 37 and 38. This amount is your child's adjusted gross income.
-
8
Figure your child's standard deduction using the Standard Deduction Worksheet on page 36 of the 1040 Instructions. Enter this amount on line 40a of the 1040.
-
9
Subtract line 40a from the adjusted gross income on line 38 and enter the amount in line 41 and line 43. Enter zero if you get a negative number. This is your child's taxable income.
-
10
Find your child's tax liability in the tax table on page 77 of the 1040 Instructions. Enter this amount in line 44, 46, and 55 of the 1040.
-
11
Enter federal income tax shown as withheld on the W-2 or 1099-INT in line 61 and 71 of the 1040.
-
12
Subtract line 60 from line 71 and enter the amount in line 72 and 73a. This is the amount of your child's refund. If line 60 is larger than line 71, subtract line 71 from line 60 and enter the amount on line 75. This is the amount your child owes.
-
13
Sign and date the return and mail it, along with a check for any amount due, to the address found on page 174 of the 1040 Instructions.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If your child is required to file a return only for interest or dividend income of less than $9,500, you may be able to include this on your tax return instead of filing for your child.
If your child's income is high enough to be considered more than half of her support, she will have to claim herself as a dependent and cannot be claimed as a dependent on another's form. If this is your situation, you should consult a tax professional for advice.
