When do i have to file a tax return

Not everyone is required to file an income tax return each year. Generally, if your total income for the year doesn't exceed certain thresholds, then you don't need to file a federal tax return. The amount of income that you can earn before you are required to file a tax return also depends on the type of income, your age and your filing status. Most taxpayers are eligible to take the standard deduction.

The standard tax deduction amounts that you're eligible for are primarily determined by your age and filing status. These amounts are set by the government before the tax filing season and generally increase for inflation each year. The standard deduction, along with other available deductions, reduces your income to determine how much of your income is taxable. As long as you don't have a type of income that requires you to file a return for other reasons, like self-employment income, generally you don't need to file a return as long as your income is less than your standard deduction.

For example, in , you don't need to file a tax return if all of the following are true for you:. In most cases, if you only receive Social Security benefits you wouldn't have any taxable income and wouldn't need to file a tax return.

One catch with Social Security benefits is if you are married but file a separate tax return from your spouse who you lived with during the year.

Then you will always have to include at least some of your Social Security benefits in your taxable income to see if it is greater than your standard deduction. When determining whether you need to file a return and you receive Social Security benefits, you need to consider tax-exempt income because it can cause your benefits to be taxable even if you don't have any other taxable income.

TurboTax can help you estimate if you'll need to file a tax return and what income will be taxable. If you are at least 65 years old, you get an increase in your standard deduction. You also get an increased standard deduction if:. The largest standard deduction would be for a married couple that are both blind and both over 65 years old. Having a larger standard deduction can allow you to have more income than someone under age 65 and still not have to file a return.

Taxpayers who are claimed as a dependent on someone's tax return are subject to different IRS filing requirements, regardless of whether they are children or adults. A tax return is necessary when their earned income is more than their standard deduction. The personal exemption reduces your income before taxes are applied. You will also need to take the dependent standard deduction instead of the standard deduction.

Related: Help for determining who can be claimed as a dependent. Federal tax payments are paid to the government to use towards goods and services for the benefit society.

The major categories include:. What if you didn't receive your full stimulus payment due to life changes? Do you own real property in Massachusetts? This link is to make the transition more convenient for you. You should know that we do not endorse or guarantee any products or services you may view on other sites. Tax information center : Filing.

Review the tax treaty information between the U. In some cases, your taxable amount may be lower. If you are a foreign student, use this reference guide to learn more about the special rules that apply to your U. This includes your liability for Social Security and Medicare taxes.

Learn more from the IRS's tax guide for individuals who aren't citizens. Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it. Filing Tax Returns in the U. Share This Page:.