How to Determine if a Dependent Has to File a Tax Return
A dependent is required to file a federal return for the 2000 tax year after reaching certain threshold income levels.
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Instructions
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Unmarried Dependents
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1
Verify that you are a dependent of someone.
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2
File a federal return if your gross income was more than $4400 and your unearned income was $250 or less. Add $1100 if aged 65 or over. Add $1100 if blind.
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3
File a federal return if your gross income was more than $700 and your unearned income was more than $250. Add $1100 if aged 65 or over. Add $1100 if blind.
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4
File a federal return if you earned $400 or more from self-employment; received advance earned income payments from your employer; or earned $108.28 or more from a religious organization that does not pay Social Security taxes.
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5
File a federal return if you owe other taxes. The most common are taxes on unreported tips and taxes on early withdrawal of retirement funds or IRAs.
Married Dependents
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6
Verify that you are a dependent of someone other than your spouse.
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7
File a federal return if your gross income was more than $5 and your spouse itemizes deductions on a separate return.
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8
File a federal return if your gross income was more than $3675, your unearned income was $250 or less, and your spouse did not itemize deductions on a separate return. Add $850 if aged 65 or over. Add $850 if blind.
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9
File a federal return if your gross income was more than $700, your unearned income was more than $250, and your spouse did not itemize deductions on a separate return. Add $850 if aged 65 or over. Add $850 if blind.
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10
File a federal return if you earned $400 or more from self-employment; received advance earned income payments from your employer; or earned $108.28 or more from a religious organization that does not pay Social Security taxes.
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11
File a federal return if you owe other taxes. The most common are taxes on unreported tips and taxes on early withdrawal of retirement funds or IRAs.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Even if you're not required to file a tax return, you'll need to file in order to get a refund of withholding taxes.
States generally have higher thresholds for filing; you might not need to file your state return even though you must file a federal return.
