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Tax deductions for Teens with a first job

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Can You Write Off Tax deductions for Teens with a first job?

Short answer: Teens earning under the $16,100 standard deduction owe no income tax but may want to file to get withheld tax back; Roth IRA contributions up to earnings are a strong move.

Self-employed teens owe SE tax once net earnings hit $400.

Records to keep: Keep receipts, statements (1098, 1098-T, 1099, W-2G), and a note of what each cost was for. Compare itemizing to the 2026 standard deduction before you claim.