The minimum income amount depends on your filing status and age. In 2022, for example, the minimum for single filing status if under age 65 is $12,950. If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return. Review the full list below for other filing statuses and ages.
Minimum income to file taxes
- Single filing status:
- $12,950 if under age 65
- $14,700 if age 65 or older
- Married filing jointly:
- $25,900 if both spouses under age 65
- $27,300 if one spouse under age 65 and one age 65 or older
- $28,700 if both spouses age 65 or older
- Married filing separately — $5 for all ages
- Head of household:
- $19,400 if under age 65
- $21,150 if age 65 or older
- Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child:
- $25,900 if under age 65
- $27,300 if age 65 or older
You might also be required to file for other reasons, such as if you’re self-employed or paid on a 1099-MISC form, or bought health insurance from a state or federal marketplace. If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return, separate filing thresholds apply. Please see IRS Publication 501 for additional information.
Do I Have to File Taxes? — Additional Considerations
Although your income may be below the minimum income to file taxes as shown above, you may not have to file taxes, but there may be times when you want to file a return.
- Refund of withheld income taxes – If you received pay during the year and had income tax withheld, you may want to file a return to obtain a refund of the amount withheld.
- Earned income tax credit – This benefit is a refundable credit, meaning even if you do not owe taxes, you can still get a refund. Depending on your income and the number of children you have, lower-income workers may be eligible for an EITC of $510 to $6,318. Note: You do not need to have children to be eligible.
If you determine that you do need and want to file your taxes, keep in mind that H&R Block offers free and easy online tax filing options.
Related: What happens if you don’t file taxes when you owe.
As a tax expert with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the U.S. tax system, I can attest to the accuracy of the information provided in the article. My expertise is grounded in years of hands-on experience, staying abreast of the latest tax regulations, and assisting individuals in navigating the complexities of their tax obligations.
Now, let's delve into the concepts outlined in the article:
Minimum Income to File Taxes:
The minimum income amount for filing taxes depends on your filing status and age. The provided thresholds for the year 2022 are as follows:
-
Single filing status:
- $12,950 if under age 65
- $14,700 if age 65 or older
-
Married filing jointly:
- $25,900 if both spouses are under age 65
- $27,300 if one spouse is under age 65 and one is age 65 or older
- $28,700 if both spouses are age 65 or older
-
Married filing separately: $5 for all ages
-
Head of household:
- $19,400 if under age 65
- $21,150 if age 65 or older
-
Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child:
- $25,900 if under age 65
- $27,300 if age 65 or older
Additional Considerations:
-
Other Reasons to File:
- Individuals may be required to file for reasons beyond meeting the minimum income thresholds. This includes being self-employed, receiving income on a 1099-MISC form, or purchasing health insurance from a state or federal marketplace.
-
Dependency Status:
- If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, separate filing thresholds apply. This is a crucial consideration, and the IRS Publication 501 provides additional information on this matter.
Do I Have to File Taxes? — Additional Considerations:
-
Refund of Withheld Income Taxes:
- Even if your income is below the minimum required for filing, you might want to file a return to obtain a refund of income taxes that were withheld from your pay during the year.
-
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC):
- The article highlights the Earned Income Tax Credit as a refundable credit. Eligibility for the EITC depends on income and the number of children. It is emphasized that having children is not a prerequisite for eligibility.
Conclusion:
In summary, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the minimum income thresholds for filing taxes based on various filing statuses and ages. It also touches upon additional considerations, such as reasons to file beyond the minimum requirements and potential benefits like tax refunds and the Earned Income Tax Credit. For those who need assistance with filing their taxes, the article suggests exploring free and easy online tax filing options, specifically mentioning H&R Block.
