How do I know what dependent income amounts to include here?
If your dependent has filed a 2025 tax return, use the amounts from their tax return.
If they haven't filed a 2025 tax return yet, it's usually easiest to file their return first so you have those amounts. If you don't file their return first, calculate what amounts will be on their tax return when it is filed. You can do that by filing in a blank Form 1040 to identify the specific line items and amounts to enter on this screen.
Example: Your dependent hasn't filed a 2025 tax return yet, and you need to know what amounts to enter on this screen. You only have your dependent's Form W-2 which shows they earned $6,000 in wages on Form W-2, Box 1. Click on the Form 1040 link above and fill it in with the $6,000 wage amount. Your dependent doesn't have any other income or adjustments to income shown on Form 1040, so your dependent's AGI on Form 1040, Line 11a is $6,000 and you can enter that amount on this screen.
If they haven't filed a 2025 tax return yet, it's usually easiest to file their return first so you have those amounts. If you don't file their return first, calculate what amounts will be on their tax return when it is filed. You can do that by filing in a blank Form 1040 to identify the specific line items and amounts to enter on this screen.
Example: Your dependent hasn't filed a 2025 tax return yet, and you need to know what amounts to enter on this screen. You only have your dependent's Form W-2 which shows they earned $6,000 in wages on Form W-2, Box 1. Click on the Form 1040 link above and fill it in with the $6,000 wage amount. Your dependent doesn't have any other income or adjustments to income shown on Form 1040, so your dependent's AGI on Form 1040, Line 11a is $6,000 and you can enter that amount on this screen.
