Do 17-Year-Olds Have to File Taxes?

In the United States, most individuals earning income, regardless of age, have tax obligations. This includes minors, such as 17-year-olds, who may have specific tax filing requirements based on the type and amount of income they receive. Even if a 17-year-old does not meet the mandatory filing thresholds, there can be advantages to submitting a return.

Tax Filing Requirements for Minors

Whether a 17-year-old needs to file a tax return largely depends on their income and if they are claimed as a dependent. For the 2024 tax year, a dependent child with only earned income, such as wages from a job, must file a return if their income exceeds $14,600. Earned income includes salaries, wages, tips, and taxable scholarship or fellowship grants.

The rules differ for unearned income, which includes investment income like interest, dividends, and capital gains. A dependent child must file a return if their unearned income is more than $1,300 for 2024. If a 17-year-old has both earned and unearned income, the filing threshold is met if their gross income is more than the larger of $1,300 or their earned income (up to $14,150) plus $450.

If federal income tax was withheld from their paychecks, filing a return is the only way to claim a refund for those withheld taxes. Additionally, filing might allow them to claim certain income tax credits for which they qualify. Parents may also elect to include a child’s unearned income, if it consists only of interest and dividends and is less than $13,000, on their own return using Form 8814, instead of the child filing separately.

Gathering Necessary Information for Filing

Preparing a tax return requires specific documents and personal details before any forms can be completed. A 17-year-old will need their Social Security number, which serves as their taxpayer identification number for federal tax purposes.

For income from wages, Form W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, is essential. This form is provided by an employer by January 31st each year and details total wages earned, federal income tax withheld, and the employer’s identification number. If the 17-year-old received income from investments, such as interest or dividends, they would need Form 1099-INT for interest income or Form 1099-DIV for dividends. These forms are also typically sent out by financial institutions by the end of January.

For income from self-employment or independent contractor work, Form 1099-NEC, Nonemployee Compensation, would be required. This form reports payments of $600 or more received for services performed for a business. Ensuring all relevant income statements are collected is the first step, as they provide the figures needed for accurate tax calculations.

Submitting a Tax Return

Many individuals choose to use tax software, which can be accessed online or as a desktop application. These programs guide users through the filing process and electronically submit the return to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Another option is to file a paper return by mail. This involves printing the completed tax forms and mailing them to the appropriate IRS address, which varies depending on the taxpayer’s location. Using a professional tax preparer is a third alternative, where a qualified individual or firm handles the preparation and submission of the tax return on the taxpayer’s behalf.

After submission, whether electronically or by mail, taxpayers typically receive a confirmation of receipt. Electronic submissions often provide immediate confirmation, while mailed returns may take several weeks for processing. Refunds for overpaid taxes are generally issued within 21 days for e-filed returns with direct deposit, but paper returns can take six to eight weeks to process.