What Teens Need to Know About Taxes

Last updated February 9, 2026

In this article

• Do you need to file taxes?
• Understanding common tax forms
• Free resources for tax help

Whether you had a summer job or are working part-time in high school or college, it’s important to know how to file your taxes (or if you need to file them at all). We share what teens need to know about taxes and where they can find assistance in their community!

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Do you need to file taxes?

Tax season in the U.S. is from January to April, annually. The 2026 deadline to file, also known as “Tax Day,” is usually falls on Wednesday, April 15.  It can vary depending on holidays and if it falls on a weekend. Between January and April, most people who earned money in 2025 need to report it to the government by filing their taxes. Taxes are not only required by law, but they fund things like roads, healthcare, schools, airports, and other essential public services like police and fire stations.

If you earned less than the standard deduction for single filers which is $15,750 in wages in 2025, you did not need to file in 2026. If you made more than that, or if you made more than $400 in net earnings in a year as an “independent contractor” like a Lyft driver or Instacart shopper, you will need to file.

Understanding common tax forms

There are government-issued tax forms that every employer and employee in the U.S. who must pay taxes will use. Here is a quick breakdown of the most common ones:

• W-2 – This is the form that any employer you had in the previous year will send you to show you the wages you earned and any taxes already taken from your paychecks that year. If you had multiple jobs in the previous year, you will receive a W-2 from each employer.
• W-4 – This is a form that you will complete when you start a new job. It tells your employer how much to deduct from your paychecks for federal and state taxes. 
• W-9 – This is a form that you’ll only need to fill out if you are going to be an independent contractor. It is a way to let anyone you work for during the year show the government that they paid you as a contractor.
• 1099-NEC – This form is like a W-2 but for independent contractors. Anyone who paid you more than $600 during the year for contract work must send you this form. If you were paid by someone for contract work but made less than $600 in a year, they are not required to send you a 1099-NEC. However, you still must report this income.

Free resources for tax help

There are many free ways to get help tailored to your specific questions and needs! Here are some resources:

• The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) – This is the official government department that will process your tax information. Check out their Free Tax Return Help tool.
• United Way – This national nonprofit is located in many cities and counties around the country and is a leader in helping folks file their taxes for free. They offer individual help and often partner with bilingual organizations to support. Learn more about free tax help from United Way.
• Public libraries – Most library systems around the country are a hub for free tax help. They may have experts helping in the library or have partner organizations they can refer you to. Some examples are in Seattle, New York City (which includes support for New Jersey and Connecticut), Detroit, Philadelphia, and Dallas. 

Be cautious of tax scams, especially during tax season. The IRS may contact you by mail but they will never contact you by text message, social media, or direct message, and you should never share your Social Security number casually. Always use trusted, secure tax filing tools and reputable organizations when filing your taxes to protect your personal information.

Do you have any questions about filing your taxes? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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