When should a child file US Income Taxes?

Question

I have searched online and cannot find a definitive answer to this.  If I have a child whom I claim as a dependent, but made income at a job that held out Federal income taxes, if the child made less than the standard deduction, should he/she file a 1040EZ and if so would he/she expect a refund of all taxes paid?  To make this a little clearer, let's say my child made $1500 in legitimate wages and his employer held out $200 in Federal income taxes... would he/she be able to file and receive a refund of that amount?  Thanks in advance!

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

Yes. 

A dependent is required to file if their income from wages is more than their standard deduction ($5800 for single people in 2011). 

If their income is below the standard deduction they will have no taxable income which means their tax liability will be $0 and all of the money withheld toward taxes would be refunded.

rtfm · Answer

Yes.

If the dependent has earned less than $5800, they are not legally obligated to file a tax return. If they do file, they will get back everything that was withheld in federal taxes.

When should a child file US Income Taxes?

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