In rough terms, the income cutoff before an individual is required to file a tax return is approximately $10,000.
The chart below provides more specific income cutoff information depending on the individual’s tax filing status. If your income was below the amount listed for the specified tax return year, you are not required to file taxes.
2017 Tax Return | 2018 Tax Return | |
Dependent Student | $6,300 | $6,300 |
Single, under 65 | $10,300 | $10,350 |
Single, 65 or older | $11,850 | $11,900 |
Married, filing jointly, under 65 (both) | $20,600 | $20,700 |
Married, filing jointly, under 65 (one) | $21,850 | $21,950 |
Married, filing jointly, over 65 (both) | $23,100 | $23,200 |
Head of household, under 65 | $13,250 | $13,350 |
Head of household, 65 or older | $14,800 | $14,900 |
Married, filing separately | $4,000 | $4,050 |