How much do you have to make to file taxes? Minimum income to file taxes

You may be wondering, “do I need to file a tax return?” Generally, you won’t have to file a federal tax return if your total income for the year doesn’t reach certain thresholds based on your filing status. However, there may be reasons you may still need to file a tax return even if your income is below the threshold such as to receive a tax refund of withheld income taxes or to claim a refundable tax credit.

Review the full income threshold list below and other possible filing situations to determine who needs to file a tax return.

Do I have to file taxes? Minimum income to file taxes

Many taxpayers ask, “How much do I have to make to file taxes?” Or “How much do you have to earn to file taxes” Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to file a U.S. individual income tax return every year if their income is over the threshold for their filing status and age. Other situations may require a taxpayer to file even if their income is under the threshold, as described later in this article.

When it comes to filing, the following taxable income thresholds determine whether you should file a federal return depending on your filing status.

• Single filing status:
  • $14,600 if under age 65
  • $16,550 if age 65 or older
• Married Filing Jointly:
  • $29,200 if both spouses are under age 65
  • $30,750 if one spouse is under age 65 and one is age 65 or older
  • $32,300 if both spouses are age 65 or older
• Married Filing Separately — $5 regardless of age
• Head of Household:
  • $21,900 if under age 65
  • $23,850 if age 65 or older
• Qualifying Surviving Spouse:
  • $29,200 if under age 65
  • $30,750 if age 65 or older

Related: Skipping tax preparation and not filing your return on time can have consequences. What happens if you don’t file your taxes and/or pay the tax you owe on time?

Do dependents have to file taxes?

Dependents have different filing thresholds to determine if they need to file a tax return. Dependents need to file if someone else can claim them and the following applies:

Special rules apply to blind dependents. For more information check out IRS.gov: Check if you need to file a tax return | Internal Revenue Service

Do I need to file taxes? Maybe not, but you should in some situations

Although your income may be below the minimum income threshold set by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as shown above — meaning you don’t have to file a tax return—but filing your tax return can be a smart move in certain situations. These include:

To get a refund of withheld income taxes.  

• If you received pay during the year and had income tax withheld, you may want to file a return to obtain a refund of the amount withheld.

To claim a refundable tax credit.

• The Earned Income Tax Credit –is a refundable tax credit, meaning it reduces the amount you owe and once your tax liability is $0, you can get a refund of any leftover credit. Depending on your income and the number of children you have, lower-income workers may be eligible for an Earned Income Credit of several hundred to several thousand dollars. Plus,  You don’t need to have children to be eligible; certain taxpayers with no children can qualify for the earned income credit.
• You may also qualify to claim other valuable tax credits including the American Opportunity Tax Credit and Premium Tax Credit.

Taxes and Social Security: Do I have to file taxes if my only income is Social Security?

If your only income is Social Security, your benefits are generally not taxable, and you probably do not need to file an income tax return.

Do I have to file taxes? Other tax filing considerations

Some taxpayers are required to file or should file tax returns regardless of how much income they received.  Here are some reasons you might still need to file a tax return:

• You are self-employed and have net self-employment income of $400 or more. You may have received a 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC form reporting compensation.
• You bought health insurance from a state or federal marketplace.
• You owe Alternative Minimum Tax or recapture taxes.
• You made money from a religious organization i.e. you are a minister.
• You owe uncollected Social Security, Railroad Retirement tax, or Medicare to your employer or on a group-term life insurance.

Get help filing your taxes  

Hopefully we’ve set your mind at ease now that you know who needs to file a tax return. But remember, it’s essential to meet your tax obligations every year.  If you’re unsure of how to go about filing taxes, tax preparation help is available.

You can rely on the expertise of H&R Block to get your maximum tax refund. Whether you choose to file online or want to file your taxes with a tax professional, we’re here for you.