Asked
My 16 year recently got her first job. I am a single mom and am wondering if I need to claim her income on my taxes and if it will make a big difference because I claim her as a dependent.
Thank you in advance for any insight
Clint’s answer
She should file her own taxes, but may not be required to if she earns under the basic amount in 2025. $16,129.
However, yes, you should claim the income she makes if you are claiming her as an eligible dependant. It will impact the amount you pay in taxes.
If you have any younger children you may want to consider claiming them as the eligible dependant if they are not earning income.
September 5, 2025
From Ask Clint: real questions from a Canadian public finance forum, answered by Clint Cole. Names are changed. This is general information, not advice for your situation, and rules and dollar figures may have changed since Clint answered. Terms