Not everyone must file taxes, but a large number of Americans are obligated to and probably will submit a return. Some individuals may even file as soon as today, marking the first day the IRS is accepting and processing returns for this tax season.

Additionally, there are people who aren’t mandated to file taxes but might choose to do so. Filing taxes can offer several advantages, believe it or not. You may be eligible for tax credits and refunds for overpayments, which could mean getting money back.

Out of the 176.2 million individuals and couples eligible to file a return in 2020, approximately 144.5 million actually did, according to the nonpartisan think tank, the Tax Policy Center.

Whether you are required to file typically hinges on your income, filing status, and age.

In particular cases, you may still need to file regardless of your income level. For instance, if you have net earnings of at least $400 from self-employment, you are required to file your taxes. Achieving this income means you are also responsible for self-employment tax.

Feeling perplexed? We’ll clarify everything so you remain compliant and take advantage of potential benefits.

What is the Minimum Income Required to File Taxes in 2025?

To find out if you need to file a return, consider three factors: your gross income (total income before taxes and adjustments), your age, and your filing status.

Filing status indicates whether you are single, married filing jointly or separately, head of household, or a qualifying widow(er).

The IRS sets minimum income thresholds based on your age and filing status to determine if you need to file a tax return. Here are the specifics:

Single Filing Status:

◾ $14,600 if younger than 65.

◾ $16,550 if aged 65 or older.

Married Filing Jointly:

◾ $29,200 if both spouses are under 65.

◾ $30,750 if one spouse is under 65 and one is 65 or older.

◾ $32,300 if both spouses are 65 or older.

Married Filing Separately:

◾ $5 for all ages.

Head of Household:

◾ $21,900 if younger than 65.

◾ $23,850 if 65 or older.

Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child:

◾ $29,200 if younger than 65.

◾ $30,750 if 65 or older.

Individuals in “special situations” may be required to file a tax return regardless of their income. Examples of such situations include:

1. You owe any specific taxes, such as:

◾ Alternative minimum tax, generally applicable to very high-income taxpayers.

◾ Additional taxes on a qualified plan, which includes individual retirement accounts (IRAs), or other tax-advantaged accounts.

◾ Social Security or Medicare tax on tips not reported to your employer, or wages received from an employer who did not withhold these taxes.

◾ Uncollected Social Security, Medicare, or railroad retirement taxes on tips reported to your employer, or on group-term life insurance; additional taxes on health savings accounts also apply.

◾ Taxes on household employment.

◾ Recapture taxes, which require repayment to the federal government for benefits gained from utilizing tax-exempt mortgage bonds for financing.

2. You (or your spouse if filing jointly) obtained health insurance from a state or federal marketplace or received distributions from a health savings account.

3. You earned at least $400 in self-employment income.

4. You earned $108.28 or more in wages from a church or a church-controlled organization that is exempt from employer