Should They File a Tax Return?

Tim is 16 years old, a high school student, and lives with his parents. He earned $5,200 at his part-time job. Is he required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

No, because his earned income was less than $12,950.

Jessica is 24 years old and lives in her own apartment. She earned $48,000 from her salaried position last year. Is she required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Yes, because her earned income was more than $12,950. 

Mason is 17 years old, a junior in high school, and lives with his parents. He had unearned income of $750. Is he required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

No, because his unearned income was less than $1,150. 

Kathryn is 15 years old, a sophomore in high school, and lives with her parents. She had $200 in unearned income and earned $1,200 from her part-time job. Is she required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

No, because: 

Her unearned income was less than $1,150

Her earned income was less than $12,950

Her gross income ($1,400) was less than her earned income + $400 ($1600)

Yanely is 18 years old, is a high school senior, and lives with her parents. She earned $6,300 from her part-time job. She claimed EXEMPT on her W-4 on her first day of work. Is she required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

No, because her earned income was less than $12,950.

Ren is 21 years old and is a college senior. He lives at home with his parents and commutes to school. He earned $13,670 from his part-time job. Is he required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Yes, because his earned income was more than $12,950. 

Tori is 20 years old, a junior in college, and lives with her parents. She has a graphic design side gig and her net earnings were $2,150. Is she required to file a tax return?

• YES

• NO

Answer explanation

Yes. Her net earnings were more than $400 (self-employed).