3 Reasons Teens Should File a Tax Return

Amanda H. Christensen, AFC, Extension Associate Professor
​Utah Money Moms Editor

Is it really worth the hassle to sit down with your teen and fill out a 1040 Form in addition to worrying about your own taxes this time of year? Y.E.S. Today I'm sharing three reasons why the benefits of teenagers filing a tax return for their seasonal income working summer or holiday jobs is well worth the minimal hassle. Here's some need-to-know personal finance knowledge if you're the parent of a teen. 

When do Teens Have to File a Return? Americans are legally required to file a federal return when they make at least the standard deduction for the 2021 tax year which is $12,550.  Earn less than that, as many teenagers do, and you don’t have to file. 

• ONE EXCEPTION: A dependent child would need to file if they made more than $1,100 in unearned income, typically from interest or investments. Here's a real-life scenario: A teen who earned a wage by teaching swimming lessons or working as an ice-cream scooper  and made less than the standard deduction isn’t legally required to file a federal return. A kid who has done well in cryptocurrency or stock trading may need to file. ​

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File Anyway, Even if it isn't Required. Here are three key reasons to have your teen file anyway even if it's not required:

1. A teenager who earned less than $12,550 probably doesn’t owe any federal or state taxes. Filing means getting a refund of any taxes your employer may have withheld from your paycheck! 
2. The uptick in fraud and identity theft since the pandemic hit puts everyone at higher risk including children and teens. Filing a return ensures no one else can fraudulently file in your child's name. If this has happened to you or someone you know, click here for how to get started recovering you or your child's identity. 
3. A tax return creates a paper trail for a Roth Individual Retirement Account (IRA). A Roth IRA is unique because the "post-tax dollars" we contribute today are not taxed again when we draw on that investment down the road. So, it’s a win/win for a teenager, who’s current tax rate is 0, to contribute to an investment that grows and accrues interest tax free. They didn't owe taxes on the money they contributed to the Roth and they won't owe taxes when they take the money out of the Roth. 

BONUS TIP 1: If you’re at least 18 years old you can start a Roth IRA in your own name. A little lesser-known fact is that parents can set up beneficiary Roth accounts for younger teens. Kids of any age van contribute to a Roth, as long as they have and can show (this is where the tax return comes in) earned income. Gifted money does not qualify.

BONUS TIP 2: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, doesn’t consider money that’s in a Roth IRA as available to pay for college expenses. So, it will not count against any financial aid award. 

BONUS TIP 3: You can always withdraw your own contributions without penalty. This might be a concern for some people who feel like this money would be tied up for a very long time. however, the longer you leave money to grow, the more money you'll have in the long run...by a long shot! Keep reading!

​FINAL TAKEAWAY. It’s very feasible that an individual who started contributing to a Roth IRA in their teens, and contributed even just a minimal amount each month, would have over $300 dollars waiting for them in that investment account in retirement (age 59 ½ or later). Click here for a super cool chart that illustrates the benefits of the time value of money and investing early. This is a fabulous opportunity to talk real-life money smarts with your kids.

Teaching Tip: Take your teaching opportunity to the next level and find someone in that retirement age and stage of life who's willing to share how their saving and investing habits have paid off. You may also ask them if there's anything they would have done differently with regards to intentional financial efforts to enjoy life in retirement. 

​Sources: Money.com, IRS.gov

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