Minors can get a tax refund, but only if they earned income and had taxes withheld

A minor gets a refund the same way an adult does: if they earned income during the year, had taxes taken out of their paychecks or other earnings, and that amount was more than what they actually owed. The IRS does not treat minors differently for refunds. What matters is whether they had taxable income and whether withholding happened.

The catch is that many minors do not have to file a tax return at all. If a minor's income falls below a certain threshold, they can skip filing entirely — and if they do not file, they cannot get a refund. The threshold depends on the type of income and whether the minor is claimed as a dependent on a parent's return.

A minor who worked a summer job and had federal income tax withheld from their paychecks, but earned less than the filing threshold, would not owe taxes — but they would also not get a refund unless they file a return to claim it back.

Key Takeaways

  • A minor gets a refund only if they file a tax return; the IRS will not send a refund without one, even if taxes were withheld.
  • For 2024, a minor with only W-2 wages does not have to file if their income was under $14,600, but filing anyway can recover withheld taxes.
  • A minor claimed as a dependent on a parent's return has a lower filing threshold (usually around $1,300 in unearned income or $14,600 in earned income for 2024).
  • Self-employed minors must file if their net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more, regardless of whether they are claimed as dependents.

When a minor must file to get a refund

A minor is required to file a return if their income exceeds the standard deduction for their filing status. For 2024, a minor claimed as a dependent with only W-2 wages from a job must file if they earned more than $14,600. If they earned less, filing is optional — but if taxes were withheld, filing is the only way to get that money back.

The threshold is different for unearned income (interest, dividends, capital gains). A dependent minor with unearned income must file if that income exceeded $1,300 in 2024. If a minor has both earned and unearned income, the rules combine in a specific way, and the IRS worksheet for dependents determines the actual threshold.

A minor who is not claimed as a dependent — which is rare but happens when a minor supports themselves — uses the standard deduction for a single filer, which was $14,600 for 2024. The rules are the same: file if income exceeds that amount, or file anyway if taxes were withheld and they want a refund.

How withholding works for minors

When a minor works a job, their employer withholds federal income tax based on the W-4 form the minor filled out when hired. The employer sends that withheld amount to the IRS throughout the year. At the end of the year, the employer sends the minor a W-2 form showing how much was withheld.

A minor can claim exemptions on their W-4 to reduce or stop withholding — for example, if they know they will not owe taxes because their income is below the threshold. But many minors do not adjust their W-4, so taxes get withheld even though they will not owe anything. That withheld money sits with the IRS until the minor files a return and claims it back.

Self-employed minors (babysitting, lawn care, freelance work) do not have withholding unless they arrange it themselves. They owe self-employment tax and income tax on their net earnings, and they must file a return if those earnings are $400 or more. They do not get a refund unless they overpaid, which is uncommon for self-employed people.

Filing a return as a minor

A minor files a tax return the same way an adult does. They can file on paper using Form 1040 and Schedule C (if self-employed), or they can file electronically using tax software. The IRS allows minors to file their own returns, though a parent or guardian often helps.

If the minor is claimed as a dependent on a parent's return, that fact goes on the minor's own return as well. The parent's return and the minor's return must be consistent — the IRS will flag mismatches. A minor cannot claim themselves as a dependent.

The minor will need their Social Security number, information about their income (from W-2 forms or self-employment records), and documentation of any taxes withheld. If filing electronically, the minor can use free software through the IRS Free File program if their income is below the threshold (usually around $79,000 for 2024).

Refund timing and payment for minors

Once a minor files a return, the refund process works the same as for anyone else. The IRS processes the return, verifies the information, and issues the refund. This usually takes 21 days if filing electronically, or longer if filing on paper.

The refund can be sent by direct deposit to a bank account, or by check mailed to the address on the return. If the minor has their own bank account, they can use direct deposit. If not, the check goes to the address listed, which is usually the parent's address if the minor is a dependent.

Some states also have income tax withholding and refunds. A minor who worked in a state with income tax and had state taxes withheld will need to file a state return as well to get that refund back. State thresholds and rules vary.

What happens if a parent claims a minor and the minor also files

A minor can be claimed as a dependent on a parent's return and also file their own return. Both returns can exist at the same time. The parent gets the dependent exemption (or the child tax credit), and the minor gets their own refund if they had withholding.

The two returns must be consistent: the parent's return must show the minor as a dependent, and the minor's return must show that they are claimed as a dependent. If they do not match, the IRS will contact one or both filers to correct it.

A minor cannot claim themselves as a dependent on their own return, and a parent cannot claim a minor who is not their child or stepchild (with limited exceptions for foster children and relatives). If there is a dispute about who can claim the minor, the IRS has rules based on who the minor lived with and who provided more than half their support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a minor file a tax return if they did not earn much money?

Yes. A minor can file even if their income is below the threshold and they do not have to. Filing is the only way to recover withheld taxes. If a minor earned $8,000 and had $1,200 withheld, they can file to get that $1,200 back, even though they owed no tax.

What if a minor's parent claims them and the minor also files?

Both returns can exist. The parent claims the dependent exemption on their return, and the minor files their own return to report their income and get a refund if taxes were withheld. Both returns must show the same dependent relationship, or the IRS will ask for clarification.

Does a minor need a Social Security number to file?

Yes. A minor must have a valid Social Security number to file a tax return. If a minor does not have one, they can explore through the Social Security Administration before filing. The IRS will not process a return without a valid SSN.

Can a minor file a return online?

Yes, if their income is below the IRS Free File threshold (around $79,000 for 2024). The minor can use IRS Free File software or work with a tax professional. A parent or guardian can help, but the minor's name and SSN must be on the return.

What if a minor earned money but no taxes were withheld?

If no taxes were withheld, the minor will not get a refund. They may still need to file if their income exceeds the threshold, because they owe tax. Self-employed minors often have no withholding and must file if their net earnings are $400 or more.