A tax return is the set of forms that a taxpayer turns in to the IRS in order to assess their tax requirements. But they’re not required for everyone. Who needs to file a tax return? Who doesn’t need to file a tax return? (Learn more about tax basics like terminology, concepts, and procedures.)

Minimum Gross Income

One way the IRS decides if someone must file a tax return is their gross income . If it’s above a certain level, a tax return may be required, if other characteristics are also met, such as age.

Your gross income is the total of all the payments that you receive from all sources, as long as it is not tax-exempt. And payments can be given in the form of various types of money, goods, property, and services.

Since there was a standard tax deduction for single taxpayers of $12,400 in 2020, many people would not need to file a tax return if their gross income was less than $12,400. This deduction is the amount that you can subtract from your gross income to come up with your total taxable income. For example, let’s say:

  • Your income is $12,400
  • You subtract the $12,400 standard deduction
  • Your taxable income would be $0

In other words, a single taxpayer would only need to file a tax return if his or her income was above $12,400. (NOTE: This is not official tax advice, which you would need to receive from a tax professional like Tax Help MD before you make decisions about your tax returns.)

Filing Status and Age

The standard deduction changes based on your filing status and age, also. Here are the figures that were used in the 2020 tax year:

  • Single, up to age 64: $12,400
  • Single, age 65+: $14,050
  • Married, filing jointly, both spouses up to age 64: $24,800
  • Married, filing jointly, one spouse age 65+: $26,100
  • Married, filing jointly, both spouses age 65+: $27,400
  • Married, filing separately, all ages: $5
  • Head of household, up to age 64: $18,600
  • Head of household, age 65+: $20,300
  • Qualifying widow(er), up to age 64: $24,800
  • Qualifying widow(er), age 65+: $26,100

Filing When Not a Citizen

Are you a non-citizen who still needs to file a tax return? If you are being paid in the US, visit IRS.gov to find out more about the requirements, which are based on your sources of income and your filing status.

If you are required to file a tax return, you’ll need a social security number or individual taxpayer identification number, along with specific advice about which form to file for your situation.

Call Tax Help MD for Help Filing Your Tax Return

It is extremely important to file a tax return if it is required of you. It’s true that there are some who don’t need to file a tax return when they are below a certain level of gross income. However, you should consult with a tax professional in order to stay on the right side of the law. Contact Tax Help MD, and set up an appointment for your tax consultation.

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