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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