Do You Have to File?


The IRS uses a lot of variables to determine whether you must file a tax return. Find out what they are.

Think you might be due a refund? Then you definitely should go ahead and file a tax return. That’s the only way to get your money back! However, if your gross income is just under the income requirements listed for your filing status, watch out for other income that could put you up over the limit and require you to file a tax return. Note that "gross income" is not just the money you earn but also includes unearned income, such as dividends and interest. View our list detailing each filing status and its requirements to see if you should file a return.

If someone else may claim you as a dependent, you will need to follow these filing requirements.


Generally, a return must be filed if you have any of the following:

  • Unearned income over $850;
  • Earned income over $5,350; or
  • Gross income more than the larger of $850 or earned income plus $300 ($5,050 maximum).
  • Higher limitations apply if the dependent is age 65 or older, or blind, or both.

If someone else can’t claim you as a dependent, you should follow these filing requirements.

(1) - You must file a tax return if your filing status is single and you are:

  • under 65 with gross income of $8,750 or more; or
  • over 65 with gross income of $10,050 or more.

(2) - You must file a tax return if your filing status is married filing jointly and:

  • you are both under 65 with a combined gross income of $17,500 or more; or
  • only one spouse is over 65 and together you have a combined gross income of $18,550 or more; or
  • you are both over 65 with a combined gross income of $19,600 or more.

(3)- You must file a tax return if your filing status is married filing separately and you are:

  • any age with gross income of $3,400 or more.

(4) - You must file a tax return if your filing status is head of household and you are:

  • under 65 with gross income of $11,250 or more; or
  • over 65 with gross income of $12,550 or more.

(5) - You must file a tax return if your filing status is qualifying widow/widower (with dependent children) and you are

  • under 65 with gross income of $14,100 or more; or
  • over 65 with gross income of $15,150 or more.

Other Situations to Consider:

  • If you received advance Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) from your employer during the year, then you must file a tax return.
  • If you owe taxes for Social Security and Medicare tax on tips, Alternative Minimum Tax, an IRA, recapture of an Education Credit, or other taxable amounts, then you must file a tax return.
  • If you are self-employed with net earnings of $400 or more, then you must file a tax return.
  • If you are a resident of Puerto Rico or if you have income from a U.S. possession, special filing requirements may apply. Check with your tax professional for more information.
  • If you are a nonresident alien and you have income from sources in the United States, then you must file a tax return.

Taxes and the Military

Just because you’re working for the government, doesn’t mean you get out of paying taxes. Know what you have to include in your reported gross income and what you can exclude. Also, see how being in a Combat Zone or a Qualified Hazardous Duty Area affects your taxes.


Remember

If you think you might be due a refund, you should file a tax return even if you do not meet one of the criteria listed above. Check with a tax professional for more information.