<p>Okay, so I just started my first 'real' job at my school and I just got my W2 form. I've only earned about $1780 since I started in October. I've earned both Federal Pell and TAP for the last year and I've had about $2500 that didn't automatically deduct for TUITION-ONLY. </p>
<p>So obviously, I'm lost about what to do when it comes to filing taxes. When do I need to actually pay taxes? </p>
<p>Ignore my obvious lack of experience and all help is greatly appreciated. </p>
<p>Any more information that's needed to understand my circumstances, I'll be happy to give.</p>
<p>It’s unlikely that you’ll owe any federal income tax since the standard deduction for a single person is $5800. Go to the IRS website to determine if you need to file (you may want to if you had any income tax witheld from your paychecks). You can probably just use one of their “free-file” programs which are on the IRS site. Repeat the same process on your state’s website to see if you’ll have to file with them.</p>
<p>Btw, there are other “qualified” expenses that can be used to offset scholarship/grant income like required course fees and books. IRS Publication 970 gives details on various tax deductions/offsets/credits for college students.</p>
<p>Thanks for the quick reply! </p>
<p>I’ve been trying to research all night and these IRS-related terms have been confusing me greatly. xD I was just lost since the requirements for dependent filing - like if you meet one of these requirements of earning a certain income or if you have this amount of unearned income. </p>
<p>I’m just super apprehensive.</p>