My child (12th grade, H-4 status, just filed I-485 with me and got receipt notice) won an award worth over $1700. Now she gets the W-9 form to fill. She does have a tax ID, but no SSN. The award does NOT require citizenship. However, first of all, would you think whether she is eligible for cashing the award, given her visa status?
-Yes, of course. It is passive income and it is legal for H-4 holder to get it, but she may need to pay the income tax.
If yes, next spring when I file married joint tax return with my hu*****and, and when she is in college getting college scholarship, should I still include her with me in the tax return?
-Yes, as long as she is < 21, she is your dependent for the tax return filing.
If yes again, should I report the award in the tax return?
-Yes.
Additionally, if this award is not designated for her college education, can I assume that I do not need to notify her college about this?
-Not need.
She will not go to college till late August.
I came to be extra-nervous about all tax and visa issues. Thank you in advance for all of your help
