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How Much Do You Have to Make to File Taxes?

Written by a TurboTax Expert • Reviewed by a TurboTax CPAUpdated for Tax Year 2024 • December 15, 2024 02:52 PM
OVERVIEW

Not everyone needs to file an income tax return each year. If your total income for the year doesn't hit certain IRS thresholds, then you may not need to file a federal tax return. But you may want to file a return anyway - there may be benefits to doing so. So, how much do you have to make to file taxes? Several factors can impact whether you should file a tax return, and we'll go through each one here.

 


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Key Takeaways

  • If you earn less than the Standard Deduction for your filing status, you likely don't need to file a tax return.
  • Even if you don't meet the filing threshold, you may still have to file taxes if you have other types of income. For example, you may need to file if you earned self-employment income or income from interest or dividends.
  • In most cases, if you only receive Social Security benefits, you won't need to file a tax return.
  • If you get Social Security benefits and also get tax-exempt income, you may need to file a return. This is because the tax-exempt income may cause your Social Security benefits to be taxable.
  • Dependents who earn income may or may not have to file taxes, depending on several factors. For example, if the income they earn is more than their Standard Deduction, they typically need to file a tax return. The same thing goes for certain children who have unearned income that's greater than $1,300 in 2024. This amount increases to $1,350 in 2025.

Gross income thresholds

Most taxpayers are eligible to take the Standard Deduction. The standard tax deduction is a fixed amount that the IRS lets you subtract from your income. The Standard Deduction automatically applies, and the amount you're eligible for is determined by your age and filing status. The IRS sets these amounts before the tax filing season. You'll generally see an increase in the deduction to account for inflation each year.

The deductions you claim on your tax return determine how much of your income is taxable. So, if your income is less than the Standard Deduction, and you don't have other income to report, you won't need to file a tax return. An example of income that you would need to report, regardless of the amount, is self-employment income.

In 2024, you don't need to file a tax return if all of the following are true for you:

  • under age 65
  • Single filing status
  • don't have any special circumstances that require you to file (like self-employment income)
  • earn less than $14,600 (which is the 2024 Standard Deduction for a taxpayer filing as Single)

For 2025, this earning threshold (2025 Standard Deduction) increases to $15,000.

2024 Tax year filing threshold chart

This chart shows the minimum amount needed in 2024 to file taxes, depending on your status:

Filing Status

Taxpayer age at the end of 2024

File a return if your gross income was at least this amount in 2024:

Single

under 65

$14,600

Single

65 or older

$16,550

Head of Household

under 65

$21,900

Head of Household

65 or older

$23,850

Married Filing Jointly

under 65 (both spouses)

$29,200

Married Filing Jointly

65 or older (one spouse)

$30,750

Married Filing Jointly

65 or older (both spouses)

$32,300

Married Filing Separately

any age

$5

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

under 65

$29,200

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

65 or older

$30,750

2025 Tax year filing threshold chart

This chart shows the minimum amount you needed to have earned in 2025 to file taxes, depending on your status:

Filing Status

Taxpayer age at the end of 2025

File a return if your gross income was at least this amount in 2025:

Single

under 65

$15,000

Single

65 or older

$17,000

Head of Household

under 65

$22,500

Head of Household

65 or older

$24,500

Married Filing Jointly

under 65 (both spouses)

$30,000

Married Filing Jointly

65 or older (one spouse)

$31,600

Married Filing Jointly

65 or older (both spouses)

$33,200

Married Filing Separately

any age

$5

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

under 65

$30,000

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

65 or older

$31,600

 

Do I have to file taxes on Social Security?

In most cases, if your only income is from Social Security benefits, then you don't need to file a tax return. The IRS typically doesn't consider Social Security as taxable income.

Now, there are situations that can cause you to have to report your Social Security income on a tax return. For example, if you're married and live with your spouse, but youfile separate tax returns, you may have to report your Social Security income. This happens when your Social Security income is more than your Standard Deduction, based on your filing status. At that point, it counts as taxable income, and you'll have to file a return.

Another situation is if you earn other tax-exempt income with your Social Security benefit. For example, say you get tax-exempt interest payments during the year along with your Social Security income. If this amount makes your total income greater than the threshold for your filing status, you'll have to file a return.

Here's an example of when you may need to file, even with tax-exempt income:

In 2024, you are under age 65, can’t be claimed as a dependent by someone else, and receive $30,000 in Social Security benefits, but also receive another $31,000 in tax-exempt interest. $14,700 of your Social Security benefits would be taxable income. That's because the total amount is greater than your Standard Deduction ($14,600 for a single taxpayer in 2024). In this case, you would need to file a tax return.

How to know if your Social Security benefits are taxable 

To figure out whether your Social Security benefits are taxable, do the following:

  • Add one-half of your Social Security income to all other income, including tax-exempt interest.
  • Compare that amount to the base amount for your filing status.
  • If the total is more than the base amount, some of your benefits may be taxable.

TurboTax can help you estimate whether you'll need to file a tax return and what income could be taxable.

TurboTax Tip:

If you've had federal taxes withheld from your paycheck, you may want to file a return even if you aren't required to, so you can receive a tax refund.

What's the biggest Standard Deduction possible?

There are several reasons your Standard Deduction could be higher. For example, if you are at least 65 years old, you get an increase in your Standard Deduction. You also get an increased Standard Deduction if:

  • you are blind
  • your spouse is also at least 65
  • your spouse is blind

The largest Standard Deduction would be for a married couple who are both blind and both more than 65 years old.

Having a larger Standard Deduction means you can have higher income and still not have to file a return. This is true even if your income is higher than someone under age 65 that has to file. 

Do minors have to file taxes?

Let's break down taxes when it comes to minors. No matter how young you are, if you earn a certain amount of money, you have to file taxes.

Earned income is money you get for working, like from a part-time job. For 2024, if a minor makes more than $14,600 from working,they have to file taxes. The filing threshold for unearned income, like interest your child earns from a savings account, is $1,300 for 2024. 

Dependent status is equally important to this equation. If you claim your child as a dependent, and they meet these income thresholds, they need to file a tax return. But there's another option: If they only have unearned income, and it's less than $12,500, you can choose to include this income on your own tax return. 

What about other dependents?

If you claim someone as a dependent on your tax return, they are subject to certain IRS filing requirements whether they are children or adults. A tax return is necessary when their earned income is more than their Standard Deduction.

The Standard Deduction for single dependents who are under age 65 and not blind is the greater of:

  • $1,300 in 2024 ($1,350 for 2025)
  • or the sum of $450 + the person's earned income, up to the Standard Deduction for an unclaimed single taxpayer. This amount is $14,600 in 2024 ($15,000 in 2025).

A dependent's income can be "unearned" when it comes from sources like dividends or interest payments. When a dependent's unearned income is greater than $1,300 in 2024 ($1,350 in 2025), the dependent must file a tax return.

Are you required to file taxes if you don't owe?

There are years when you might not be required to file a tax return, but you may want to do so anyway. If you have federal taxes withheld from your paycheck, you could potentially qualify for a tax refund. This is true if you didn't earn more than your Standard Deduction, and if too much money was withheld from your paycheck for taxes. The only way you can get that tax refund is to file a tax return.

For example, say you are a single taxpayer whose only income is earnings of $2,500 from a job. You had $300 withheld from your paycheck for federal tax. In this case, you could get a refund for the entire $300 since you earned less than the Standard Deduction.

Keep in mind, the IRS doesn't automatically issue refunds without a tax return. So, if you want to claim a tax refund then you should file a tax return.

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The above article is intended to provide generalized financial information designed to educate a broad segment of the public; it does not give personalized tax, investment, legal, or other business and professional advice. Before taking any action, you should always seek the assistance of a professional who knows your particular situation for advice on taxes, your investments, the law, or any other business and professional matters that affect you and/or your business.

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  • My Docs: Included with TurboTax Deluxe, Premium TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits and is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Tax Return Access: Included with all TurboTax Free Edition, Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, and TurboTax Live Full Service products. Access to up to seven years of tax returns we have on file for you is available through December 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • Easy Online Amend: Individual taxes only. With TurboTax Deluxe, Premium, TurboTax Live, TurboTax Live Full Service, or with PLUS benefits, you can make changes to your 2024 tax return online through October 31, 2027. For TurboTax Live Full Service, your tax expert will amend your 2024 tax return for you through November 15, 2025; after that date, TurboTax Live Full Service customers will be able to amend their 2024 tax return themselves using the Easy Online Amend process described above. TurboTax Free Edition customers may amend 2024 tax returns online through October 31, 2025. Terms and conditions may vary and are subject to change without notice.

  • #1 best-selling tax software: Based on aggregated sales data for all tax year 2023 TurboTax products.

  • #1 online tax filing solution for self-employed: Based upon IRS Sole Proprietor data as of calendar year 2024, for tax year 2023. Self-Employed defined as a return with a Schedule C/C-EZ tax form. Online competitor data is extrapolated from press releases and SEC filings. “Online” is defined as an individual income tax DIY return (non-preparer signed) that was prepared online and either e-filed or printed, not including returns prepared through desktop software.

  • 1099-Ks: Those filing in TurboTax Free Edition, TurboTax Live Assisted Basic or TurboTax Live Full Service Basic will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule 1 if they have hobby income or personal property rental income reported on a Form 1099-K, and/or a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales with no gain reported on Form 1099-K. Those filing in TurboTax Deluxe, TurboTax Live Assisted Deluxe or TurboTax Live Full Service Deluxe will be able to file a limited IRS Schedule D if they have personal item sales income reported on Form 1099-K. If you add other schedules or forms, or need to report other types of income on Schedules 1, D, E, F, or Form 4835 you may be required to upgrade to another TurboTax product.

  • 1099-K Snap and Autofill: Available in mobile app and mobile web only.

  • 1099-NEC Snap and Autofill: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). Available in mobile app only. Feature available within Schedule C tax form for TurboTax filers with 1099-NEC income.

  • Year-Round Tax Estimator: Available in TurboTax Premium (formerly Self-Employed) and TurboTax Live Assisted Premium (formerly Self-Employed). This product feature is only available after you finish and file in a self-employed TurboTax product.

  • Refer a Friend: Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (Intuit's own experts): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Refer your Expert (TurboTax Verified Pro): Maximum of $500 in total rewards for 20 referrals. See official terms and conditions for more details.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received. Each taxpayer's refund will vary based on their tax situation.

  • More self-employed deductions: based on the median amount of expenses found by TurboTax Premium (formerly Self Employed) customers who synced accounts, imported and categorized transactions compared to manual entry. Individual results may vary.

  • TurboTax Online Business Products: For TurboTax Live Assisted Business and TurboTax Full Service Business, we currently don't support the following tax situations: C-Corps (Form 1120) and entities electing to be treated as a C-Corp, Trust/Estates (Form 1041), Tax Exempt Entities/Non-Profits, returns that require more than 5 state filings, and other issues unrelated to the preparation of a tax return or unrelated to business income/franchise taxes. TurboTax Live Assisted Business is currently available only in AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, ID, IL, KS, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, NC, NJ, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, and WY.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for an additional fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. Audit Defense is included at no added cost with business returns filed with TurboTax Live Business (excluding Sole Proprietor). See Membership Agreements at https://www.intuit.com/legal/terms/ for service terms and conditions.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP GUARANTEES

TurboTax Desktop Individual Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Maximum Refund Guarantee / Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - or Your Money Back - Individual Returns: If you get a larger refund or smaller tax due from another tax preparation method by filing an amended return, we'll refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state software license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Support Guarantee - Individual Returns: If you receive an audit letter from the IRS or State Department of Revenue based on your 2024 TurboTax individual tax return, we will provide one-on-one question-and-answer support with a tax professional, if requested through our Audit Support Center, for audited individual returns filed with TurboTax Desktop for the current 2024 tax year and, for individual, non-business returns, for the past two tax years (2022, 2023). Audit support is informational only. We will not represent you before the IRS or state tax authority or provide legal advice. If we are not able to connect you to one of our tax professionals, we will refund the applicable TurboTax federal and/or state license purchase price you paid. This guarantee is good for the lifetime of your personal, individual tax return, which Intuit defines as seven years from the date you filed it with TurboTax Desktop. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business returns. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TurboTax Desktop Business Returns:

  • 100% Accurate Calculations Guarantee - Business Returns: If you pay an IRS or state penalty or interest because of a TurboTax calculation error, we'll pay you the penalty and interest. Excludes payment plans. You are responsible for paying any additional tax liability you may owe. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Maximum Tax Savings Guarantee - Business Returns: If you get a smaller tax due (or larger business tax refund) from another tax preparation method using the same data, TurboTax will refund the applicable TurboTax Business Desktop license purchase price you paid. Additional terms and limitations apply. See License Agreement  for details.

  • Satisfaction Guarantee/ 60-Day Money Back Guarantee: If you're not completely satisfied with TurboTax Desktop software, go to refundrequest.intuit.com within 60 days of purchase and follow the process listed to submit a refund request. You must return this product using your license code or order number and dated receipt. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

TURBOTAX DESKTOP DISCLAIMERS

  • Installation Requirements: Product download, installation and activation requires an Intuit Account and internet connection. Product limited to one account per license code. You must accept the TurboTax License Agreement to use this product. Not for use by paid preparers.

  • TurboTax Desktop Products: Price includes tax preparation and printing of federal tax returns and free federal e-file of up to 5 federal tax returns. Additional fees apply for e-filing state returns. E-file fees may not apply in certain states, check here for details. Savings and price comparison based on anticipated price increase. Software updates and optional online features require internet connection. Desktop add-on products and services purchased are non-refundable.

  • Fastest Refund Possible: Get your tax refund from the IRS as fast as possible by e-filing and choosing to receive your refund by direct deposit. Tax refund time frames will vary. The IRS issues more than 9 out of 10 refunds in less than 21 days.

  • Average Refund Amount: $3,207 is the average refund amount American taxpayers received in the 2024 filing season based upon IRS data as of February 16, 2024 and may not reflect actual refund amount received.

  • TurboTax Technical Support: Customer service and technical support hours and options vary by time of year.

  • Deduct From Your Federal Refund: Individual taxes only. Subject to eligibility requirements. Additional terms apply. A $40 Refund Processing Service fee applies to this payment. method. Prices are subject to change without notice.

  • Data Import: Imports financial data from participating companies; Requires Intuit Account. Quicken and QuickBooks import not available with TurboTax installed on a Mac. Imports from Quicken (2022 and higher) and QuickBooks Desktop (2023 and higher); both Windows only. Quicken import not available for TurboTax Desktop Business. Quicken products provided by Quicken Inc., Quicken import subject to change.

  • Live Tax Advice: Access to tax experts to obtain answers to tax questions and to assist with tax year 2024 return(s) prepared with TurboTax Desktop software. Additional fees apply. Must be purchased and used by October 31, 2025. Excludes TurboTax Desktop Business. See License Agreement for details.

  • Audit Defense: Audit Defense is a third-party add-on service provided, for a fee, by TaxResources, Inc., dba Tax Audit. See Membership Agreements at https://turbotax.intuit.com/corp/softwarelicense/ for service terms and conditions.

All features, services, support, prices, offers, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice.

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