Is an unmarried dependent who earns $4,500 from wages required to file a tax return?

An unmarried dependent who earns $4,500 from wages is not required to file a tax return because their gross income is below the threshold of $5,800. According to IRS guidelines, a dependent must file a return if their earned income exceeds the standard deduction for dependents, which for the tax year in question, aligns with that gross income threshold. Since $4,500 is less than $5,800, the dependent is not required to file a tax return based solely on their earnings.

This situation illustrates how the filing requirements can vary depending on a taxpayer's income level and filing status, highlighting the importance of understanding these thresholds when determining the obligation to file a tax return. Therefore, the correct answer reflects this understanding of gross income requirements for dependents.