How Much Do I Have to Make to File a Return?

Many taxpayers wonder how much they must make before filing a tax return. This tax tool - FILEucator - will answer whether you need to file an IRS and or state tax return based on your income for a given tax year.

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Disclaimer: eFile.com makes no warranty as to the accuracy of the results of this estimator or calculator tool. The results are estimates and for informational purposes only and should not be relied on for tax advice.
  • Even if you don't have to file an IRS and/or state tax return, there are some benefits of going through with it. This includes refundable tax credits such as the Earned Income Credit which may benefit you if you are low income.

Returns are due on Tax Day April 15 and the last day to e-file a return each tax year is in mid-October of the following calendar year. Find out the implications on if you owe taxes but did not file on time: estimate potential late filing tax penalties.

Do I Have to File this Year?

Tax return filing requirements are based on your income, age, dependency status, and any tax credits you may need to claim. The tool below is easy to use and will give you a fast answer to the question: Do you need to file a return? Want to read more about IT? IT = Incomes Taxes: details on whether you must or should file a tax return.

If you have determined that you need to file or that it would benefit you to file Taxes, start a free return on eFile.com. The eFile platform handles all the complicated federal and state tax forms and makes all calculations for you based on your entries.

Estimate your tax return using our free tax refund calculator. Find out what your tax refund might be or if you owe taxes.

What Is the Minimum Income Filing Requirement?

Filing status, age, and gross income determine tax return filing requirements for the 2023 tax year. However, there could be other reasons for a taxpayer to file a return if the income was below the listed gross income. This could be to claim certain tax credits such as the federal Premium Tax Credit or various state rebate programs.

If you make at least the amount shown below for your filing status and age, then you will need to file taxes. The amounts below are the standard deductions for this year.

Filing Status
Age*)
Gross Income
Single
Under 65
$14,600
Single
Over 65
$16,550
Head of household
Under 65
$21,900
Head of household
Over 65
$23,850
Married filing separately
Any age
$5
Married filing jointly
Under 65
$29,200
Married filing jointly
Over 65
$32,300
Qualifying surviving spouse
Under 65
$27,700
Qualifying surviving spouse
Over 65
$32,300

*) Your age is dependent on how old you are by December 31 of the year or the end of the year. In the case of a death, a taxpayer is 65 or older at the end of the year only if the taxpayer was at least 65 at the time of death.

Once you have determined that you need to or should file, start free on eFile.com and begin entering your information. eFile generates and calculates all the complicated IRS and state tax forms for you based on your answers to simple questions.

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