The information in this article is up to date for tax year 2025 (returns filed in 2026).
Got a summer job lined up? Whether you’re scooping ice cream, lifeguarding, or freelancing online, earning money during the summer is a great way to build independence. But once payday comes around, taxes aren’t far behind. Understanding how taxes work, even for part-time or temporary gigs, can help you avoid surprises and maybe even score a refund.
Here are the essential tax tips every student with a summer job should know.
Do Students Need to File Taxes?
Short answer: It depends on how much you earn. Students must file a tax return if their gross income exceeds certain income thresholds, and these thresholds can differ based on filing status and type of income.
If you’re a single filer under 65, you’re generally required to file a federal tax return if your gross income is more than $15,000 in 2025. But even if you earn less than that, you might still want to file.
Why? Because your employer likely withheld federal income tax from your paycheck. If you earned less than the filing threshold, you could be entitled to a full tax refund—but only if you file.
Tip: Even if you’re still a dependent on your parents’ return, you may need to file your own return depending on your income and whether it was earned or unearned. Unearned income includes things like interest, dividends, unemployment compensation, or income from retirement plan beneficiaries. If your unearned income or total gross income exceeds the relevant threshold, you must file.
Dependency Status
Your dependency status is a key factor when it comes to filing your tax return and qualifying for tax credits. If you’re a college student, your parents may still be able to claim you as a dependent, especially if you’re a full time student under age 24 and they provide more than half of your financial support. This can affect which tax credits and deductions you or your parents can claim, so it’s important to know where you stand. If you support yourself or have dependents of your own, you may need to file your own tax return and could be eligible for additional tax benefits. Understanding your dependency status will help you make the most of your tax filing and ensure you don’t miss out on valuable credits.
Common Summer Job Tax Forms
Understanding the paperwork is half the battle. Knowing which tax form to use is essential for filing accurate tax returns. Here are the key tax forms students should know:
W-4 Form
A W-4 form tells your employer how much tax to withhold from your pay. You fill it out when you start a job. If you expect to earn less than the filing threshold and don’t want taxes withheld, you may be able to claim exemption on the W-4. Use a tax withholding calculator to ensure you get it right.
W-2 Form
You’ll receive a W-2 form from your employer by January 31 of the following year. It shows how much you earned and how much tax was withheld. You’ll then use your W-2 to file your annual income tax return.
1099-NEC
If you’re freelancing or doing gig work (like tutoring, delivery apps, or online tasks), you might receive a 1099-NEC. Unlike a W-2 job, taxes aren’t withheld, meaning you could owe money come tax time.
Pro Tip: Save every form and receipt. Keeping good records will make filing easier and stress-free.
Tax Credits and Deductions for Students
Students may qualify for several tax benefits, which could boost a refund or reduce what you owe.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
If you’re 25 or older, or have a qualifying child, you might be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Unfortunately, many younger students don’t qualify on their own—but it’s worth checking.
American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)
The American Opportunity Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,500 per year for eligible education expenses. Qualified education expenses include tuition, required fees, and course materials, and these are reported on the tuition statement (Form 1098-T) provided by your school. If your parents claim you, they might get the credit—but if you’re independent, you might qualify yourself.
Lifetime Learning Credit
The Lifetime Learning Credit is available for both undergraduate and graduate students, does not require half time enrollment, and can be claimed for an unlimited number of academic periods at an eligible educational institution. Graduate students and those pursuing higher education beyond the first four years may benefit from the Lifetime Learning Credit.
Student Loan Interest Deduction
If you’ve started making student loan payments, you can deduct up to $2,500 in interest—even if you don’t itemize. To claim this student loan interest deduction, your loan servicer will provide you with Form 1098-E, which reports the amount of interest you paid on your student loans during the year.
Itemized vs. Standard Deductions
When you file your taxes, you’ll have to choose between taking the standard deduction or itemizing your deductions. The standard deduction is a set amount that reduces your taxable income, and for many college students, it’s the simplest and most beneficial option. However, if you have significant expenses—like medical expenses, charitable donations, or other qualifying costs—it might be worth looking into itemizing. Review your expenses for the year and use ezTaxReturn to see which option gives you the biggest tax break. Choosing the right deduction method can help you lower your taxable income and keep more of your hard-earned money.
Tips for First-Time Filers
Tax season is the period each year when individuals prepare and file their tax returns, so it’s important to be aware of the tax filing deadline to avoid penalties.
Filing taxes might sound intimidating, but it’s actually simple—especially with the right tools. If you’re unsure where to start, check out our guide on how to file taxes as a student. We also recommend using an online tax service like ezTaxReturn—we walk you through it step by step.
Financial tips for students:
- Budget for any taxes you may owe or plan for your refund.
- Keep organized records of your income, scholarships, and tax documents.
- Review available tax credits and deductions for students.
- Mark the tax filing deadline on your calendar to ensure you file on time.
What About Side Hustles?
If you’re doing gig work, running a lawn care business, or selling crafts on Etsy, the IRS considers you self-employed. That means:
- You may need to pay self-employment tax (Social Security and Medicare).
- You can deduct business-related expenses (like gas, supplies, or a portion of your phone bill).
- You may need to make estimated tax payments throughout the year.
Tip: Keep a spreadsheet or use an app to track income and expenses. It’ll save you time and headaches later.
Roth IRA Benefits for Students
Opening a Roth IRA is a smart move for college students who want to start saving for the future while also managing their tax liability. With a Roth IRA, you contribute money you’ve already paid income tax on, so your investments grow tax-free and you can withdraw them tax-free in retirement. One of the best perks for students is that you can withdraw your contributions (but not your earnings) at any time without taxes or penalties, giving you flexibility if you need the funds later. By starting a Roth IRA early, you can take advantage of compound growth and potentially reduce your taxable income in the future. It’s a great way for college students to build long-term financial security while still in school.
Maximize Your Refund
Here’s how to keep more money in your pocket:
- Update your W-4 if you get a second job or your income changes.
- Claim all eligible credits and deductions—don’t leave free money on the table.
- File early to avoid identity theft and get your refund faster.
How ezTaxReturn Makes Filing Easy for Students
At ezTaxReturn, we believe filing your taxes shouldn’t be harder than your summer job. That’s why we offer:
- Simple, step-by-step guidance—no tax jargon.
- Mobile-friendly filing—do it from your phone or tablet.
- Free federal filing if you qualify.
- Fast refunds with direct deposit.
We’ve helped millions file fast, accurately, and stress-free. You could be next.
Final Thoughts
Working a summer job is a great experience—but don’t let taxes catch you off guard. Whether you’re earning a little or a lot, understanding your tax responsibilities helps you make the most of your hard-earned money.
Ready to file? Let ezTaxReturn help you do it fast, easy, and online.
FAQs
Do I have to file a tax return if I only worked a summer job?
You must file a tax return if your gross income exceeds the filing thresholds set by the IRS for your filing status. Even if you earned less, you may want to file to claim a refund of any income tax withheld.
What tax forms will I receive from my summer employer?
Most summer jobs provide a W-2 form showing your earnings and income tax withheld. If you did freelance or gig work, you might receive a 1099-NEC instead.
Can I claim education tax credits if I worked a summer job?
Yes, if you qualify based on your enrollment status and education expenses, you can claim credits like the American Opportunity Tax Credit or Lifetime Learning Credit to reduce your tax liability.
What if my parents claim me as a dependent?
If your parents claim you as a dependent, they may be eligible to claim education credits for your tuition and expenses. You may still need to file your own return depending on your income.
How can I get help filing my taxes?
For an easy and reliable way to file your taxes, we highly recommend using ezTaxReturn. This online tax filing service offers step-by-step guidance tailored for students, helping you maximize your refund with minimal hassle.
Do I have to pay state taxes if I worked in a different state during summer?
If you worked in a state that collects income tax, you may need to file state tax return forms for that state. Check the state tax websites for specific filing requirements.
What is the deadline to file my tax return?
The tax filing deadline is typically April 15 of the following year, but it can vary. Filing early helps you avoid penalties and get any refund faster.
The articles and content published on this blog are provided for informational purposes only. The information presented is not intended to be, and should not be taken as, legal, financial, or professional advice. Readers are advised to seek appropriate professional guidance and conduct their own due diligence before making any decisions based on the information provided.
