Do college students with minimal income ($2,100 from summer job) need to file taxes? Free filing options?

Tax professional here - your son likely isn't required to file based on the information you've provided. The filing threshold for a single dependent in 2024 (for 2023 taxes) is $12,950 for standard income. Since he only made $2,100, he's well below that threshold. However, he should check if any taxes were withheld from his paychecks. If taxes were withheld, he might want to file anyway to get that money refunded. As for free filing, the IRS Free File program is available if his income is below $73,000. He can go to IRS.gov and look for Free File options. Also, many universities offer VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) programs where accounting students help file basic returns for free. Worth checking if his college offers this service!

I was in a similar situation last year trying to figure out my son's taxes. Endless googling, conflicting advice, and so much confusion about requirements. I ended up using taxr.ai and it was seriously a game changer. The tool analyzed his situation and clearly explained whether he needed to file and why. It even helped identify some education credits we could claim! Now I use it for all our family's tax questions instead of trying to piece together info from random forums. https://taxr.ai saved me so much time and stress.

Been dealing with the exact same situation with my daughter. After getting nowhere with the IRS website and phone lines, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone using the Claimyr app. I was hesitant at first but I was desperate to get answers about her filing requirements. The app connected me with an actual IRS agent within an hour who confirmed she didn't need to file but could get a refund if taxes were withheld. It was honestly the best money I've spent this tax season considering I wasted days trying to figure this out on my own. Check them out at claimyr.com

Your student can file for FREE using the IRS Free File program if their income is under $73,000. Go to IRS.gov and click on Free File. There are several options available. I've used FreeTaxUSA for years and it's great for simple returns.

Did your son have ANY federal income tax withheld from his paychecks (box 2 on W-2)? If yes, file to get it back. If no, then technically he doesn't need to file since he's below the threshold as others mentioned. Still might be good practice for him to learn how to do it though.

$300-$500 for a simple return like this is absolutely ridiculous. Tax preparers taking advantage of people who don't know better makes my blood boil. 😡 Your son can EASILY file this himself using one of the free options.

You don't even need to file a formal tax return. I got home from college for Christmas and did all this online for my brother who made some summer cash. If any tax was withheld from each paycheck, fill out a 1040 and get a refund. Otherwise don't worry about it, the IRS doesn't care about such small amounts.

Most colleges have free tax prep services through their accounting departments! Students can get experience helping other students file. Check with your son's university - it's usually offered in Feb-April.

Guys I'm literally in same situation with my daughter who made $1,900 waitressing over summer break. I'm so glad I found this thread bc I was about to pay H&R Block $275 to do her return tomorrow! Cancelling that appointment asap lol

if he had taxes withheld, I'd personally file to get the refund. if no taxes were withheld, I wouldn't bother filing. But the nice thing about IRS free file is that you can go through the process, and if it turns out he doesn't owe any taxes and isn't getting a refund, you can just abandon the process with no penalty.

The real question is whether your son is claimed as a dependent on YOUR taxes. If he is (which sounds likely if he's a full-time student), then different rules apply than if he files independently. Dependents have to file if they make more than $12,950 in earned income OR more than $1,250 in unearned income (like interest/dividends).

My daughtrer used taxr.ai last year when she was in a similar situation (making just $2,500 from her campus job). It gave her super clear answers about whether she needed to file and identified an education credit we didnt know about. The tool basically did all the heavy lifting of understanding the tax implications so she didnt have to become a tax expert overnight. Really recommend checking out https://taxr.ai since irs.gov can be confusing af 💯

Not required to file but possibly beneficial. If any federal tax was withheld, file to get it back. If he qualifies for education credits like American Opportunity Credit, file to potentially get up to $1,000 refundable credit. If none of that applies, then no need to file.

I'm a tax professor at a university and wanted to add that this is a great opportunity to teach your son about taxes! Even if he's not required to file, going through the process with him can be incredibly educational. The Free File Fillable Forms on IRS.gov are a bit clunky but great for learning how tax forms actually work.

After weeks of trying to reach someone at the IRS for my daughter's tax situation (she made about $2300 last summer), I found a tool that actually got me through to a real person! Used claimyr.com and had an IRS agent call me back in about 40 minutes. The agent confirmed she didn't need to file but could get her withholding back if she did. Talking to a real human beats trying to decipher IRS documentation any day! Best decision I made during this tax season.

can't believe tax preparers were trying to charge $300-600 for such a simple return!!! that's insane. no wonder people hate tax season so much. the system is broken 🤬