Does a minor (age 14) have to pay income tax on earnings?

Dependents must file a tax return and pay taxes if income exceeds set limits. For 2016, a single dependent under age 65 who is not blind must file a return if any of the following applies:

• Unearned income was over $1,050
• Earned income was over $6,300
• Gross income was more than the larger of (1) $1,050, or (2) earned income (up to $5,950) plus $350

Whether taxes are owed depends on the nature and amount of the income.