A child who works may need to file their own tax return—even when a parent claims them as a dependent. Filing a separate return does not automatically mean they can claim themselves.
Talk with your child before they file. If you can claim them as a dependent, make sure they indicate on their return that someone can claim them. Tell their tax preparer, too.
An incorrect answer can cause the parent’s electronically filed return to be rejected and delay the refund. Contact ASY if this happens. Depending on the circumstances, a valid IRS Identity Protection PIN (IP PIN) for the primary taxpayer may allow electronic filing; otherwise, a paper return may be needed. Processing and refund delays can be substantial.
ASY charges just $50 to prepare and file a dependent’s tax return when the dependent is claimed on the parent’s return.
College students and Form 1098-T
If you claim your college student as a dependent, provide their Form 1098-T and education expense records with your tax documents. Any eligible education credit is claimed on the parent’s return, rather than the dependent’s return.
The student may still need to report taxable scholarships or other income on their own return. Let ASY review both returns together so education expenses, scholarships, and dependent information are handled correctly.