Can Dependents Who Work File Taxes?
- Federal tax laws and regulations require individuals who are claimed as dependents of another taxpayer to file a federal tax return under certain circumstances, according to the Internal Revenue Service. The marital status of the dependent is a significant factor in determining whether the dependent must file a tax return. Married and single dependents are required to file a return for the 2010 tax year if they earned more than $5,700 or if they earned more than $5,400 and had unearned income of more than $300. A married dependent must also file a federal income tax return if she earned more than $5 and her spouse files a separate return.
- Single dependents who are blind or who are older than the age of 65 must file a return if they have earned income in excess of $7,100. The amount goes up to $8,500 if the dependent is blind and older than the age of 65. A married dependent who is blind or older than 65 years must file a tax return if he earns more than $6,800. The amount increases to $7,900 for dependents who are blind and older than 65.
- A dependent who has earned income, that is income in the form of wages, a salary, fees, bartered goods or services, or other resources received as remuneration for work performed, may elect to file a federal income tax return, even it she is not required to do so by current tax law or regulation. The Internal Revenue Service advises dependents to file a tax return if they had income taxes withheld from their paychecks to obtain a tax refund.
- Dependents who have earned income are typically responsible for filing their own tax returns and paying their own income taxes, according to the IRS. Parents of dependent children who are unable to file their own taxes due to such circumstances as age or disability may file a tax return on behalf of their dependent. Parents of dependent children who are unable to sign their tax returns, may sign the child's name for them followed by the phrase "By (your signature), parent for minor child."