Can My Child File Their Own Return and Still Be My Dependent?

Yes — a child who qualifies as your dependent can still file their own tax return, and often should if they have earned income (wages) or significant investment income. Filing their own return lets them claim a refund of any withheld taxes. However, if they're your dependent, they must check the box indicating that someone else can claim them, and their standard deduction is limited to the greater of $1,300 or their earned income plus $450 (up to the regular standard deduction) in 2024. They cannot claim their own personal exemption (that ended under the TCJA) or claim the standard deduction as freely as an independent filer. The "kiddie tax" rules may tax their unearned income at your rate.