What is the maximum income a child under 14 may earn tax
free under their own social security number while still
allowing the parent to retain them as a dependant.
There is no income limit, as long as the parent meets the
other 4 rules for claiming a dependent. Your child's income
is usually not a concern until they turn 19, or if a
student, until age 24.
If the child only has unearned income, his standard
deduction is limited to $750. Income above that is taxable.
If the child has earned income (paper route, lawn mowing,
etc) the standard deduction is the total of his earned
income + $250, to a maximum of $4,750.
Thus, if the child has a part-time job (earns $3,000) and
investments (interest of $600) his standard deduction is
limited to $3,250, and he will owe tax on the "excess"
unearned income ($350).