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Employee
February 14, 2019
Question

1099-MISC income less than Standard Deduction?

  • February 14, 2019
  • 1 reply
  • 0 views

My 21-year son is filing his own taxes (filing "Single"). His only income for 2018 was ad revenue from YouTube paid to him on a 1099-MISC. It amounted to about $3,900. He had about $800 in expenses associated with generating that income leaving a net income of roughly $3,100. Since his net income is less than the standard deduction of $12,000 does he need to file?

    1 reply

    February 14, 2019

    are you claiming him and receiving the 'other dependent tax credit? (which you may be able to if he still living at home - run through TT and see what TT advices you to do.

     

    The reason for asking is the answer is different whether or not you claim him as a dependent

     

    see link below and especially the sub-heading 'dependent tax filing'

     

    https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tips/irs-tax-return/does-everyone-need-to-file-an-income-tax-return/L7pluHkoW

     

    if your son uses TT, TT will figure out whether filing is necessary or not, but it begins with whether you are declaring him as a dependent or not on your return 

    Robert5Author
    Employee
    February 14, 2019

    I actually have already submitted my tax return. I believe last year there was some reason I could not file with him as a dependent, so I assumed the same would hold true this year.  I will run a test and see however. Might be worth a amended return.

     

    But assuming he is filing on his own and not a dependent of me, would he need to file with only $3,900 of gross income from a single 1099-MISC?

     

    Thanks!

     

    - Robert

    IsabellaG
    Employee
    February 14, 2019

    Yes, if the 1099-MISC shows the income in Box 7 for Nonemployee Compensation. This type of income is subject to Self-Employment Tax (Social Security and FICA), which is in addition to regular income tax. You have to file a tax return if you had income from self-employment of $400 or more. 

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