{"id":6875,"date":"2023-10-23T07:22:00","date_gmt":"2023-10-23T12:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/?p=6875"},"modified":"2026-02-12T16:32:14","modified_gmt":"2026-02-12T22:32:14","slug":"do-i-have-to-file-taxes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hrblock.com\/tax-center\/filing\/do-i-have-to-file-taxes\/","title":{"rendered":"Do I need to file a tax return?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You may wonder: \u201cDo I have to file taxes this year?\u201d Determining whether or not you need to file a tax return can be complicated.\u00a0In fact, having an income doesn\u2019t automatically mean you need to file. Read on to learn more about whether or not you need to file a tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Did you know? <\/strong>Americans miss out on an average refund of about $2,900 by not filing. \u00a0Get a free Second Look<\/a> at H&R Block to make sure you\u2019ve filed and claimed your maximum refund for the past 3 years.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

\u201cDo I need to file a tax return?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You may be required to file a tax return depending on your age, income received, and filing status. Here are some common cases where you need to file a tax return:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scenario 1: You\u2019re an employee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here\u2019s where it is simple. If you have regular employment\u2014meaning you work for another person or business and receive a W-2<\/a>\u2014and no one else can claim you on a federal tax return, you can use this chart to determine whether you need to file a return. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Find your filing status and age bracket.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. If your gross income is below the number on the right, you are not required to file a tax return. If it is more than that number, you do need to file a tax return.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    Filing Status<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Age<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Gross Income<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/td><\/tr>

    \n

    Single<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Under age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $15,750 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Single<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    At least age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $17,750<\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Married Filing Jointly<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Both under age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $31,500 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Married Filing Jointly<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    One spouse at least age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $33,100 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Married Filing Jointly<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Both at least age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $34,700 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Qualifying Surviving Spouse<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Under age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $31,500 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Qualifying Surviving Spouse<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    At least age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $33,100 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Head of Household<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Under age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $23,625 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Head of Household<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    At least age 65<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $25,625 <\/td><\/tr>
    \n

    Married Filing Separately<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		\n

    Any age<\/p>\n<\/td>

    		 $5 <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Scenario 2: You\u2019re self-employed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The rules are different if you work for yourself or if you work as a contractor (meaning you get a Form 1099<\/a> instead of a W-2). You must file a tax return if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Consider this scenario: You may be 36 years old, single and make less than $13,850 per year in regular employment income, but if you have a side business that nets you more than $399, you will need to file a federal tax return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Scenario 3: You owe the government<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Even if you don\u2019t meet any of the income criteria, you may need to file if you owe a special recapture tax to the government. Among other things, that would include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n