How Much Earned Money Is Required to File a Tax Return?

Your filing status and age are factors in tax return guidelines.

Your gross income, filing status and age play a role in determining whether you need to file a tax return. Minimum income requirements are also assessed differently if you're self-employed. Filing status options include single, married filing separately, married filing jointly, head of household and qualifying widower with dependent child.

Single Filing Status

If you're single and under the age of 65, you must file a federal tax return if your gross earnings for the tax year are at least $9,350, as of 2010. If you're 65 or older, the earning threshold for filing a tax return is $10,750. Gross income includes money, goods and services that are not tax-exempt.

Married Filing Status

As of January 2011, when filing jointly, the IRS requires you to file a tax return if both spouses are under the age of 65 and your combined income is at least $18,700. If one spouse is age 65 or older, the threshold for filing a return increases to $19,800. If both you and your spouse are at least 65 years of age, the minimum gross income for filing a return increases to $20,900. If you file separately, a spouse with earned income of less than $3,650 isn't required to file a return, regardless of age.

Head of Household

If you plan to file your taxes using head of household status, you're not required to file a return unless your income is at least $12,050, if you're under age 65. The threshold increases to $13,450 for individuals 65 and over. (Sums are as of January 2011.)

Widow(er) with Dependent Child

If you're a surviving spouse under the age of 65 with a dependent child and your income is less than $15,050, you aren't required to file a federal tax return. The minimum increases to $16,150 if you are 65 or older. (Sums are as of January 2011.)

Considerations

If you qualify as a dependent on your parent's or other guardian's tax return, you need to file your own return under specific circumstances. If you're a dependent and earned more than $5,700, filing a tax return is mandatory, according to the IRS. If you're self-employed and earned at least $400, you're also required to file a tax return. In addition, filing a return is mandatory for church employees who earn at least $108.28. You may be eligible for a tax refund under certain circumstances, making it in your best interest to file even if it's not mandatory based on your income. (Sums are as of January 2011.)

References

• Internal Revenue Service: Filing Information
• Internal Revenue Service: Publication 501: Main Content
• Internal Revenue Service: Self-Employment Tax