Does my child have to file a tax return?

by: Lisa Marie Brugman, EAPublished on: 17/03/2026

Does your child need to file a tax return? It depends on how much they earned and whether the income came from wages, investments, or self-employment. This guide explains the key thresholds and situations where a dependent child may need to file—and when it may still make sense to file even if it’s not required.