How to Find Tax Bracket Filing Thresholds

The filing requirements are normally changed by the IRS on a yearly basis. The gross income which determines when a tax return must be filed is increased due to increases in the exemption amount and in the standard deduction. The tax rate brackets are also revised each year to reduce the effect of general inflation on tax liabilities.

Instructions

1. Check the chart in the beginning of your tax return instruction booklet if you have a low income amount for the year. The chart will give the gross income threshold for most filing status situations.

2. File a tax return even if you are below the gross income threshold when you have income tax withholding shown on your Form W-2 for the year. You will want to file to get the tax withholding refunded to you.

3. Compare your gross income to the tax bracket thresholds as revised for the year. Each tax bracket from the prior year usually has a higher income threshold in the current year.

4. Plan your deductions for the year to take advantage of a lower or higher tax bracket. Deductions which are variable from year to year could be accelerated or delayed to maximize the tax value of the deduction.