Whether you have to file a tax return depends, in part, on your filing
status, age, and gross income.
Please refer to the "Do You Have to File" section of the Form 1040 Instructions, Form 1040A Instructions, and Form 1040EZ Instructions to determine if you are required to file
a tax return.
You must file a tax return if you had net earnings from self–employment
of $400 or more. This is your total self-employment income less the expenses
paid in operating your trade or business, multiplied by 92.35%. For more details,
refer to Topic 554, Self–Employment Tax.
If you are an individual who may be claimed as a dependent on another person's
return, you are subject to specific filing requirements. Refer to the instructions
in your tax package or refer to Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children
and Dependents, or Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction,
and Filing Information, for the filing requirements for dependents.
You must file a tax return if you received any amount of advance earned
income credit payments from your employer during the year, or if you owe any
taxes, such as:
- social security tax and Medicare tax on tips or group life insurance,
- alternative minimum tax,
- tax on qualified retirement plans including an Individual Retirement Account,
or other tax-favored account,
- tax from recapture of an education credit, investment credit, low income
housing credit, federal mortgage subsidy, qualified electric vehicle credit,
or the native American employment credit.
Special filing requirements may apply to U.S. citizens who are residents
of Puerto Rico or who have income from U.S. possessions. Refer to
Publication 570 for additional information. Residents of Puerto Rico should select
Topic 901.
Generally, you must file a tax return if you are a nonresident alien with
income from sources in the United States. For more information on nonresident
aliens, select Topic 851.
Even if you are not required to file a tax return, file a return if you
are due a refund.
If you did not file a return for a previous year and you were required
to do so, refer to Topic 153. If you need help determining which
form to file, refer to Topic 352.
