SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/teen-tax-dependent-earned

For 2025, a dependent teen with only job pay must file if earned income is over how much?

More than $15,750.

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  1. $1,350
  2. $5,000
  3. $15,750 ✔

Why: Wages, tips and similar pay are earned income. Below the threshold you may not have to file, but you might still want to.

Huh, didn't know that: Earned income includes salaries, wages, tips, professional fees, and taxable scholarship and fellowship grants.

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Children may be tax deductible, but they're still taxing.
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References

Answer: $15,750. Wages, tips and similar pay are earned income. Below the threshold you may not have to file, but you might still want to.

  1. IRS Publication 501 (2025) www.irs.gov/publications/p501
    Your earned income was more than $15,750.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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