Should I File

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Should You File?

There are four major components that determine whether or not you should file a tax return. The factors are your age, filing status, a minimum W2 income, and/or a minimum self employment income.

Do you need to file? A description of when you should file a tax return.

When you should file:
Filing Status Age Minimum W2 Income Minimum Self-Employment Income
Single Under 65 $10,300 $400
Single 65+ $11,850 $400
Head of Household Under 65 $13,250 $400
Head of Household 65+  $14,800 $400
Married Filing Jointly Under 65 (both spouses) $20,600 $400
Married Filing Jointly 65+ (one spouse) $21,850 $400
Married Filing Jointly 65+ (both spouses) $23,100 $400
Married Filing Separately Any age $4,000 $400
Qualifying Widow(er) Under 65 $16,600 $400
Qualifying Widow(er) 65+ $17,850 $400

Other Reasons to File

Aside from the information mentioned in the table above, there may be other reasons why you would want to file a tax return. These reasons include:

  • If you had taxes withheld from your pay
  • You earned dividends from stocks and other investments
  • You earned interest from a checking or savings account
  • You earned job payment that was "under the table" and exceeded $400
  • You earned tips