<p>I have never filed a tax return before. I got a job in 2008 and earn a little bit less than 3k (gross, before income tax, social security withholdings). If I file a return, will I get anything refunded back to me? (my mom, who claims me, earns less than 20k). My mom already filed hers, without knowing that I was gonna file mine; if I file, would that affect her tax return at all? (I was claimed as a dependent, and subsequently a exemption, on her tax return.) On Fafsa, when it asks for my income tax, do I just put down the figure that was withheld from me, or should I expect 0 income tax since my personal income was so low? </p>
<p>If you only earned @ $3,000 you are not required to file a return but should to get any income tax deducted refunded to you. You can do this easily and online. The IRS website has a freefile option Free</a> File Home - Your Link to Free Federal Online Filing
You choose one of the linked software such as turbotax and it will walk you through it.</p>
<p>It will not affect your Mom's taxes at all. You cannot claim an exemption for yourself as she has claimed you as an exemption. You have a allowance of @$5400 which means the first $5400 of your earnings are tax free (for income tax - not social security etc). it should not take long to do the return so, if you have your W2, you can do it then file FAFSA. If you do not have your W2 yet you can file FAFSA using estimated figures but will have to update it later. You should be safe saying $0 for income taxes.</p>
<p>If you are in a state with state income taxes don't forget to file those if required or if you may be due a State tax refund.</p>
<p>D just did hers after I had done mine, earned about what you did. No problem, just say you can be claimed on Parent's form. Had no effect, no fed tax, but did have to pay state, and local (already taken out).</p>