what age do you have to file taxes?

Question

okay well my sister has a daughter and she did volunteering this year and someone told her that she had to do taxes be cause she volunteered and she is only 14

Answer 1

No, you do not need to file a tax return for performing unpaid volunteer work.

If she had income above a certain amount she would have to file since the requirement to file a tax return is based only upon your income, not your age. Age may be a factor in determining the cut-off point, but even an infant with enough income must file a tax return.

Answer 2

That "someone" is off-base. It doesn't have anything to do with age though. You don't get income from volunteering, so there would be nothing to file, whether she's 14 or 64, if that's her only income.

But if a 14 year old has enough income to be required to file, then yes, she would have to. Or if she gets a paid job and they withold federal income tax and she doesn't make enough to have to file, she should file to get her withholding refunded to her.

Answer 3

Anyone who has taxable income should file, regardless of age.

Granted, there is a specific level of income before any tax applies, but filing a return is always a good idea.

Many children receive substantial amounts of interest and other 'unearned' income. Most of this income has to be considered for the Kiddie tax (which now applies until age 18).

Volunteering doesn't not equal taxable income. Compensation does.

Answer 4

The age does not matter, but if she was an unpaid volunteer, she has no income anyway?

Answer 5

I paid taxes when I began working at sixteen. I think it has to do with did you make $400 or more. If so, you have to file.

Answer 6

Only when she had income, and then even if she is only 1 year old.

Answer 7

She doesn't have to file if she didn't receive any money or goods.