Students will be able to:
Identify key facts about taxes and the tax cycle
Explain who qualifies to be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes
Determine whether or not a person is required to file taxes
National Standards for Personal Financial Education
Earning Income
8a: Explain the difference between earned and unearned income
11a: Evaluate the benefits and costs of gig employment, such as driving for a cab or delivery service
Students will be able to:
Identify key facts about taxes and the tax cycle
Explain who qualifies to be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes
Determine whether or not a person is required to file taxes
National Standards for Personal Financial Education
Earning Income
8a: Explain the difference between earned and unearned income
11a: Evaluate the benefits and costs of gig employment, such as driving for a cab or delivery service
Answer the question on the first slide in the space below. Then, compare your answer to the answer on the second slide. Finally, follow your teacher’s directions on how to answer the follow-up questions on the last slide.
How much tax refund money went unclaimed by 1.5 million Americans who didn’t file their taxes?$
Whether or not you’re a dependent can impact your tax situation and the people who might claim you as a dependent. Review the reference to learn about who qualifies as a dependent. Then, answer the question.
Only U.S. citizens can be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes.
Create an imaginary profile for someone who CAN be claimed as a dependent and someone who CANNOT be claimed as a dependent. Be sure to include their age and at least TWO details that explain why they can or cannot be claimed as a dependent.
Can Be Claimed:
Cannot be Claimed:
As a teen, filing a tax return can be a mostly straight-forward process. However, you may be wondering how that process changes if someone claims you as a dependent or if you are a self-employed worker or household employee. Read through this reference to learn more about what to do in these scenarios. Then, answer the questions.
Tip: The first question requires information from this resource and the Updated Tax Figures resource.
Which of the following people is/are legally required to file a tax return?

All of the following people can be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes EXCEPT…
You are required to file a tax return in all of the following scenarios EXCEPT…
What is the purpose of the self-employment tax (SECA)?
The resource mentions that if the IRS owes you a refund, you won’t be penalized if you file your tax return late. Why might you want to file your tax return on time anyway?
When filling out a W-4 form, in what situation would a teen want to claim exemption from federal income taxes being withheld from their paycheck?
What is the amount of the self-employment tax (SECA)
Can Tim be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can they be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can Mason be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can Kathryn be claimed as a dependent?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can they be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can Ren be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.
Can Tori be claimed as a dependent?
Is this person legally required to file a tax return?
Why or why not?
If no, should they file a tax return? Explain your reasoning.