Does a teenager have to file tax returns?

Being a teenager does not exempt anyone from filing tax returns.

According to IRS Publication 17, page 4, if a teenager is NOT claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, then they must file a return if:

· Your filing status is single and your gross income is at least $9,500

· Your filing status is married, filing jointly and your gross income is at least $19,000

· Your filing status is married filing separately and your gross income is at least $3,700

· Your filing status is "head of household" and your gross income is at least $12,200

· Your filing status is "qualifying widow(er) with dependent child" and your gross income is at least $15,300

According IRS Publication 17, page 6, unmarried teenagers who are dependents (for example - their parents claim them as dependents on their own tax return) must file a tax return if any of the following apply:

· Your unearned income was more than $950.

· Your earned income was more than $5,800.

· Your gross income was more than the larger of:

· $950, or

· Your earned income (up to $5,500) plus $300.

It's slightly more complicated if you are a married teenager but still claimed as a dependent. In that case, a teenager must file a tax return if any of the following apply:

· Your unearned income was more than $2,100

· Your earned income was more than $6,950

· Your gross income was at least $5 and your spouse files a separate return and itemizes deductions.

· Your gross income was more than the larger of:

· $2,100

· Your earned income (up to $5,500) plus $1,450