Tax Return for HS Student - Help!

[Tex_Cattleman]

I just don't have the energy to research this right now. I am sure several of you hear have crossed this bridge and can share their wisdom.

My HS son had two jobs in 2023.
1) At a restaurant. Straight W2. Made $2,730. This one is easy
2) Worked summer for a custom home builder. Basically a gopher. Received a 1099. $4,690. I won't get into how wrong it was to consider him an independent contractor. That's another issue.

What is the easiest/simplest way to get his tax return filed. I'm tempted to bundle it all as W2 and pay whatever they come back with for tax due on that income with nothing withheld. Goin this route I would do a 1040 EZ. By the book, his scenario requires a full 1040 with Sch C. Then would have to get into all of the miles where he used his own truck and any other expenses we could come up with.

And.......GO!

[CabezaBlanca]

TurboTax.com will lead you in all the right directions.

[TCB]

You can go into a system like Turbo Tax or H&R Block and enter his info. You will combine the information into a single return but it should be as easy as a 1040 EZ because he won't have enough deductions greater than the standard deduction.

If fact, I think H&R Block has a free "estimator" so that you can plug everything in and see what he might owe. I'm not an accountant but I'd bet he washes out close to zero.

[sboudreaux]

The minimum amount required to file a return for 2023 is $13,850. He is under that threshold so all good!

[mooch]

TurboTax will have you fixed up in 20-30 minutes. And it should be cheap for a return like that

My first thought was similar to others saying he’s under the minimum amount and won’t be required to pay taxes but I’m not too familiar with the 1099 situation

[Playa]

I’d file an extension. Then go back and track all mileage and “equipment & supply” expenses for the 1099 job. Hopefully he had to go jobsite to job site and bought tools or materials for the work he was doing.

i WISH i could be 1099 employed but i think that’s the reason they have tried to end the practice.

[SabreKiller]

The minimum amount required to file a return for 2023 is $13,850. He is under that threshold so all good!

Here's your answer. He doesn't have to file at all.

[Clay6x45]

Call around to your local accountants. Many of them will file free for high school and college kids knowing they will return when they get into the "real world" and make real money.

[MtnMike]

File with Turbotax. 1040EZ will be very inexpensive and they will catch any potential errors. Being there are W-2 and 1009's filed with the IRS, you will still need to file.

[1riot1ranger]

just file. and tell him thanks for paying into social security for the rest of us!

[Jaybo31]

Here's your answer. He doesn't have to file at all.

Better double check this. The rules change a little if he is claimed as a dependent.

[brokeno]

Depends how you voted will decide if you have to pay taxes

[Txhunter3000]

Here's your answer. He doesn't have to file at all.

I believe he has to file. I believe he won't owe any taxes.

[Double D]

Following this one closely. Similar situation with my college son. No W-2. Just 1099 for @$6500. Everything we are reading says he will have to file and pay @$1,000 before any deductions.

[Dale Moser]

Turbo tax is the way to go, it even keeps a running tally and let’s you know how to cheat the best.