Whether you are waiting tables, selling movie tickets, working in retail or an office job the government is going to tax your wages.  Rather than taking a lump sum at the end of each year, they tax each paycheck you receive. 

The first task you complete at your new job is to fill out your W-4 form.  This form tells the government how many dependents you have (other persons in your house that are dependent on your income) and the more you have, the less the government taxes each paycheck.

Each year, your employer must give you your W-2 form by January 31st.  This form shows how much you made and how much the government took in taxes annually.  It is this form that provides most of the information needed to file your taxes by April 15th. 

You must file a return if any of the following apply.

1. Your unearned income was more than $2,100.
2. Your earned income was more than $6,400.
3. Your gross income was more than $1,250 plus the larger of:
   1. $850, or
   2. Your earned income (up to $4,850) plus $300.

The Pros and Cons of an After School Job

1. You’ll learn and reinforce valuable skill such as time and money management, the ability to work with others and commitment.
2. You’ll have money to spend at your leisure, also teaching you how to spend and save wisely.
3. You’ll build valuable relationships and contacts with potential future employers
4. Working long hours leaves homework and studying for late hours giving you less sleep and more emotional stress.
5. Working may leave less time for homework and after school activities.
6. The lure of money may deter you from wanting to continue your education.  The decision to work instead of pursue a degree beyond high school limits one’s career and professional options and opportunities.