Final answer:
A 15-year-old dependent with a gross income of $3,850 from wages may not be required to file a federal income tax return, as their income is below the standard deduction and exemption total, given an example from 2010. For the most current requirements, one should consult the latest tax code or the IRS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether a 15-year-old dependent with a gross income of $3,850 from wages is required to file a federal income tax return depends on several factors. As per the information provided, which relates to tax policy and the fundamentals of income taxation, we can infer that individuals have a standard deduction and an exemption that may offset their gross income. If we consider the example from 2010, the total of the deduction and exemption for a single person was $9,350, which is well above the $3,850 earned by our hypothetical taxpayer. Therefore, based on this figure, the dependent would not be required to file an income tax return, as their income does not exceed the combined deduction and exemption amount. It's important to note, however, that tax laws change frequently, and for the most current information, one would need to refer to the latest tax code or consult the IRS.