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The Global Insight

Does a summer job count as income?

Author

James Williams

Updated on March 26, 2026

If you only work during the summer, you may qualify for a tax exemption. That means your employer won’t withhold income tax from your paycheck. Tax exempt status only applies if you made less than $6,350. If there’s any chance you may earn more than $6,350 during the year, you will then owe income tax.

Do I have to file taxes for a summer job?

Summer employment income Most taxpayers can earn a certain amount of income each year without having to pay taxes or file a return. However, if you must file a tax return, you must report all employment income, regardless of when you earn it, including income reported on a W-2 by your summer employer.

How much can a dependent child earn in 2019?

For 2019, the standard deduction for a dependent child is total earned income plus $350, up to a maximum of $12,200. Thus, a child can earn up to $12,200 without paying income tax.

When do kids make money at a summer job who files their taxes?

Earned income from a job or self-employment is never subject to the Kiddie Tax. Calculate the Kiddie Tax by completing IRS Form 8615 (Tax for Certain Children Who Have Unearned Income). Then file Form 8615 with your kid’s Form 1040.

How does summer employment affect your tax return?

If you’re a single parent, your child’s summer employment may affect your tax return. If you claim the eligible dependant credit for your youngster, the amount of money they earn is deducted dollar for dollar from the credit at tax time.

How does a working child affect your tax return?

Your working child can have an impact on your tax return. It may be good or not so good, either way it is important to know what impacts that income has on your tax situation. Be sure to consider the tax impact of your child working a summer job -the first time and every time.

What do you need to know about summer jobs for teenagers?

Wage Reporting and Tax Withholding. When your teenager gets hired for a summer job they’ll most likely have to complete a Form W-4 before they can start working. The purpose of the W-4 is to let the employer know how much the employee wants to have withheld for federal and state income taxes.