If you are an unmarried dependent, you must file a tax return if your earned and/or unearned income exceeds certain limits. To find these limits refer to Filing Requirements for Dependents in Publication 501, Exemption, Standard Deduction and Filing Information. If part of your earned income is from tips, see Tax Topic 402, Tips.

Even if you do not have to file, you should file a federal income tax return to get money back if any of the following apply:

1. You had income tax withheld from your pay.
2. You qualify for the earned income credit.
3. You qualify for the additional child tax credit.

Refer to Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information, for an explanation of the five exemption tests and filing requirement rules.

For additional information see Tax Information for Students

References:

• Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction and Filing Information
• Tax Information for Students

Source: www.irs.gov