How can I get my money back if I am a child?

Question

I am a 16 year old in Ohio with one mother, one father, and one brother. I have a summer job and I am taxed on my paychecks. People tell me that I can get the money they are taxing me for back. How do I go about this? My Dad says we can not get it back because he files the taxes as a family and not induvidually. There is also something about being a dependent. I would like this money back. How do I get it back?

Answer 1

Congratulation on the summer job. And the good news is that you can, indeed, probably get back most, if not all of your federal withholding by filing a tax form at the end of the year.

If you look at your paycheck, you'll see several deductions for taxes. Now social security (sometimes called FICA) and medicare -- you can't get those back. If there is a deduction for federal taxes that's what people are talking about. Since you are a dependent on your parents return, you would indicate this on your tax form at the end of the year. You would use a 1040EZ form (available online at www.irs.gov) and mark the box that indicates that someone else is claiming you. You can make up to $5,150 (that amount will probably edge up a little for 2007 taxes) before you owe any tax.

Filing a 1040EZ as a dependent will not affect your parent's tax return -- just make SURE to indicate that you are a dependent.

Good luck with the summer job!

Answer 2

Your dad isn't correct. He and your mom can file a joint return if they are married, but you (and your brother if he has income) would file separately. Your income from your job does not and cannot go on your parents' return.

You don't get the amount back that's deducted for social security and medicare. That is covering you for the future.

If your state has an income tax and they deduct for that, you might or might not get it back - depends on state law and on how much you make.

Whether or not you get back anything they deduct for federal income tax depends on how much you make. Since you're 16, you are almost surely a dependent of your parents. In 2006 you could make $5150 for the year and still get everything back from federal withholding if you were a dependent. If you made more than that, you would have had some tax liability, but might still have gotten some back although not for sure. The $5150 has been raised a little for 2007, but not much.

You'll get a W-2 from your employer early next year showing what you made and what was deducted. You'll use that to file a tax return if you make enough to have to file, or if you have a refund coming.

Answer 3

On your paycheck stub, is there any amount taken out for "FIT" or Federal Income Tax? State Income Tax?

If so, then you can get this money back. In late January 2008 or February 2008, you will receive a From W-2 from your job. Go to irs.gov and print out Form 1040EZ and fill it out and mail it in with the Form W-2.

You will not claim yourself as a dependent, since your parents will do that. Form 1040EZ has instructions right with the form.

Answer 4

Hmm, I don't know about Ohio tax laws, but I've never heard of being able to file as a "family". There is such a thing as "married filing jointly", but that only includes the husband and wife--not any kids.

When I was working as a teenager, I had to file my own taxes on a 1040 EZ every year. If you don't get any accountants or tax preparers answering this question, maybe ask your employer what you are required by law to do.

Answer 5

Filing requirements for Dependents:

Single - Under 65 - Not Blind:
If your unearned income (interest from banks, etc) is under $250 you are required to file if your gross income is more that $5,000.

Even if you are not required to file, you should file a return to get a refund if you had federal income tax withheld from your income.

You would need to file Federal Form 1040-EZ. On line 5, check the box marked "You" and fill out the worksheet on page 2.

Hope this helps.

Answer 6

Try tax deductions. Say, for example, the gasoline you and your family use to take you to work. Or, if you use a bicycle to get to work, buy a new bicycle.