Does My Teen Need to File Taxes? 2026 Checker

Up to $16,100 of wages if they have no other income, because that is the 2026 standard deduction. With any interest or dividends, the limit is the larger of $1,350 or wages plus $450, so a teen with $16,000 of wages and $600 of interest must file.

Yes. If the teen runs it as their own small business (self-employed), net earnings of $400 or more require a tax return and Schedule SE, whatever their age. If a family employs them as a household employee, wages paid to someone under 18 are generally not subject to social security and Medicare tax.

$2,700. Unearned income above that, such as interest, dividends and capital gains, may be taxed at the parent's rate for a child under 18, or for an 18 year old or full-time student under 24 whose earned income is not more than half their support (Form 8615).