Do I Need to File a 2015 Tax Return?
When to File a 2015 Tax Return
Whether or not you are required to file a 2015 Tax Return is based on these factors: Filing status, age, gross income, dependency status, and other special requirements. See previous year tax return resources. You can still file a 2015 Return but can no longer claim a refund from this year. If you owe taxes, file as soon as possible so penalties and interest can stop accruing. e-File your return in the year it is due so you do not have to worry about this.
Use the Free FILEucator tool below to find out if you need to file a 2015 Tax Return:
How Do I File a 2015 Tax Return?
If you have determined that you may need to or want to file 2015 Taxes, you must prepare your 2015 Return on paper and mail it to the IRS since they only accept e-filed tax returns for the current tax year. Follow these instructions on how to file your 2015 Tax Return:
- Find and download 2015 tax forms.
- Complete the form(s) on the online editor.
- Print it out and sign it at the bottom of page 2. Attach any tax documents (W-2, 1099-MISC, etc.) to your return.
- Mail your return to the IRS address listed on your return - not the current address.
You can file your current year return regardless of when you complete your 2015 or other previous year's return. On eFile.com, this can be done online; you can prepare your return without worrying about any of the calculations or selecting the right forms. Sign up here: IT's Less Taxing!
What Is Gross Income?
Your gross income generally includes taxable and non-taxable income. Below are examples of taxable income and non-taxable income you may need to consider when deciding whether or not you have to file a 2015 Return:
Examples of Taxable Income: Wages and salaries, tips and gratuities, unemployment benefits, canceled/forgiven debt, self-employment income.
See taxable income.
Examples of Non-Taxable Income: Child support, insurance proceeds (accident, casualty, health, life), meals and lodging for the convenience of employer, Veterans’ benefits, Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC).
See nontaxable income.
What Are the Minimum Income Requirements to File a 2015 Federal Income Tax Return?
The minimum income required to file a 2015 Tax Return depends on your income, age, and filing status. The minimum income levels based on filing status and age are listed in the table below:
| Filing Status |
Age |
Minimum W-2 Income Requirement |
Minimum Self-Employment Income Requirement |
| Single |
Under 65 |
$10,300 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$11,850 |
$400 |
| Head of Household |
Under 65 |
$13,250 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$14,800 |
$400 |
| Married Filing Jointly |
Under 65 (both spouses) |
$20,600 |
$400 |
| 65 or older (one spouse) |
$21,850 |
$400 |
| 65 or older (both spouses) |
$23,100 |
$400 |
| Married Filing Separately |
Any age |
$4,000 |
$400 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Children |
Under 65 |
$16,600 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$17,850 |
$400 |
What If My Earned Income Is Below the Minimum Income for My Filing Status and Age?
You may not be required to file a federal tax return. However, we recommend that you read on for other reasons why you may still want to file a return.
What Are Other Reasons I May Be Required to File a 2015 Tax Return?
Regardless of your gross income, you are generally required to file an income tax return if any of the following are true:
- Your net self-employment income was $400 or more.
- You had unemployment income.
- You owe Alternative Minimum Tax.
- You owe household employment taxes.
- You owe additional taxes on a retirement plan (an individual retirement arrangement (IRA) or another tax-favored account) or health savings account.
- You must repay the 2008 Homebuyer Credit (or any other recapture taxes).
- You owe Social Security and Medicare taxes on unreported tip income.
- You earned $108.28 or more from a tax-exempt church or church-controlled organization.
- You received distributions from an MSA or Health Savings Account.
- You received an advance payment on the Premium Tax Credit.
Am I Required to File a 2015 Return If I Am a Dependent?
Even if you are claimed on another taxpayer's return, you may still be required to file your own income tax return. The requirements vary by filing status, age, and minimum income, which are listed below:
| Marriage Status |
Age |
Minimum Income Requirement |
Minimum Self-Employment Income Requirement |
| Single |
Under 65 (and not blind) |
More than $6,300 earned (or more than $1,050 unearned) |
$400 |
| 65 or older OR blind |
More than $7,850 earned (or more than $2,600 unearned) |
$400 |
| 65 or older AND blind |
More than $9,400 earned (or more than $4,150 unearned) |
$400 |
| Married |
Under 65 (and not blind) |
More than $6,300 earned (or more than $1,050 unearned) |
$400 |
| 65 or older OR blind |
More than $7,550 earned (or more than $2,230 unearned) |
$400 |
| 65 or older AND blind |
More than $8,800 earned (or more than $3,550 unearned) |
$400 |
Why May I Want to File a 2015 Tax Return?
You may want to file or e-file a tax return for several reasons, even if you do not meet the minimum income requirements. However, you can no longer claim a tax refund for 2015 Returns - don't let this happen to you each year. File your current year return online each year so your money does not go to the IRS.
- If you had taxes withheld from your pay, you must file a tax return to receive a tax refund.
- If you qualify, you must file a return to receive the refundable Earned Income Tax Credit.
- If you claim education credits, you must file to be refunded the American Opportunity Credit.
- If you have a qualifying child but owe no tax, you can file to be refunded the Additional Child Tax Credit.
- If you qualify, you must file to claim the refundable Health Coverage Tax Credit.
- If you adopted a qualifying child, you must file to claim the Adoption Tax Credit.
- If you overpaid the estimated tax or applied a prior year's overpayment to this year, you must file to receive the refund.
Need to file another year's return? Start at our back taxes page and navigate to the tax calculators for the year in question. Use the respective year's FILEucator to quickly determine if you need to file a previous year's return.
Prepare your return online each year so you do not have to handle complicated IRS and state forms. Sign up for a free eFile account and begin your tax planning.
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