At what age do you have to file taxes

The minimum income amount depends on your filing status and age. In 2022, for example, the minimum for single filing status if under age 65 is $12,950. If your income is below that threshold, you generally do not need to file a federal tax return. Review the full list below for other filing statuses and ages.

Wondering if you need to file to get your stimulus payment? Review our stimulus payment information.

Minimum income to file taxes

Single filing status:
- $12,950 if under age 65
- $14,700 if age 65 or older
Married filing jointly:
- $25,900 if both spouses under age 65
- $27,300 if one spouse under age 65 and one age 65 or older
- $28,700 if both spouses age 65 or older
Married filing separately — $5 for all ages
Head of household:
- $19,400 if under age 65
- $21,150 if age 65 or older
Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child:
- $25,900 if under age 65
- $27,300 if age 65 or older

You might also be required to file for other reasons, such as if you’re self-employed or paid on a 1099-MISC form, or bought health insurance from a state or federal marketplace. If you can be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return, separate filing thresholds apply. Please see IRS Publication 501 for additional information.

Do I Have to File Taxes? — Additional Considerations

Although your income may be below the minimum income to file taxes as shown above, you may not have to file taxes, but there may be times when you want to file a return.

Refund of withheld income taxes – If you received pay during the year and had income tax withheld, you may want to file a return to obtain a refund of the amount withheld.
Earned income tax credit – This benefit is a refundable credit, meaning even if you do not owe taxes, you can still get a refund. Depending on your income and the number of children you have, lower-income workers may be eligible for an EITC of $510 to $6,318. Note: You do not need to have children to be eligible.

If you determine that you do need and want to file your taxes, keep in mind that H&R Block offers free and easy online tax filing options.

Related Resources

Garage Sale Money and Capital Gains: What You Should Report to the IRS

Do capital gains apply to garage sale money? The answer depends on a number of factors. Learn more at H&R Block.

For Pro Golfers, Tough Taxes Are Par for the Course

Professional golfer taxes can be complicated and confusing. Learn more about tricky golfer tax issues like travel deductions and residency rules with H&R Block.

How Renting Out Your Extra Bedrooms Affects Your Taxes

Thinking about renting out a room in your home? Learn more about the potential tax implications with the experts at H&R Block.

How do I calculate taxable income?

Finding your taxable income is an important part of filing taxes. Learn how to calculate your taxable income with help from the experts at H&R Block.

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6 min read Published December 15, 2021

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AJ Dellinger

Written by AJ DellingerArrow RightContributing writer

AJ Dellinger is a contributing writer for Bankrate. AJ writes about auto loans and real estate.

AJ Dellinger

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Lance Davis

Edited by Lance DavisArrow RightVice president

Lance Davis is the Vice President of Content for Bankrate. Lance leads a team responsible for creating educational content that guides people through the pivotal steps in their financial journey.