Who Needs to File Federal Income Taxes?

Knowing ahead of time that you are not required to file a return could save you a lot of time and energy.

Whether a taxpayer is required to file an income tax return depends on a variety of factors, including income, age, and filing status. But even if you're not required to file a return, it may prove beneficial for you to do so if you fall within certain categories.

General Criteria

In most cases, you are required to file if you are single and your gross income exceeds $9,350, head of household and your income exceeds $12,000, married filing joint and your income exceeds $18,700, married filing separately and your income exceeds $3,650, or qualifying widow(er) and your income exceeds $15,050.

Criteria for Elderly

Taxpayers older than the age of 65 are afforded a higher income allowance before they are required to file a tax return. Elderly taxpayers are not required to file a return unless they earn at least $10,750 if single, $13,400 if head of household, $20,900 if married filing joint or $19,800 if only one spouse is 65 or older, or $16,150 if qualifying widow(er).

Considerations

Even if you are not required to file an income tax return, you should file to get a refund if you had federal taxes withheld from your wages, or if you qualify for a refundable credit, such as the Earned Income Credit..

References

• IRS: Publication 501; Exemptions, Standard Deductions and Filing Information
• IRS: Do I Have to File a Tax Return
• IRS: Do You Need to File a Federal Income Tax Return