Does a Dependent Have to File Taxes?

Taxes are extremely complicated, and with laws and regulations that change every year, knowing whether or not you are obligated to file can be difficult.  What does the law say for dependents, for example?  Is there a time when they are required to file even though they are claimed on someone else’s taxes? 

 

The answer is absolutely.  While the numbers change every year, there is always a limit as to how much a dependent can make before they need to file their own return.  It is advisable to look into the current thresholds for the calendar year to decide if you need to file taxes or not.  There are thresholds for both earned and unearned income, and you need to be within those limits if you do not want to end up facing potential problems from the IRS.

In addition to financial threshold amounts, your marital status and age can also affect whether or not you need to file.  Dependents who are over the age of 65 or who are married have different requirements than single dependents and people below the age of retirement. 

 

Filing taxes as a dependent may be a good thing, however, as you may just find that a refund is due to you.  If you are owed money from the IRS, filing your taxes is the only way to receive it. 

Be certain that you look into filing laws based on your age, status, and income to ensure that you are complying with IRS laws, and filing your taxes if you are required by law to do so.

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