How Much To Make To File A Return?
Whether or not you are required to file a 2016 Tax Return is based on these factors: filing status, age, gross income, dependency status, and other special requirements. See previous year tax return resources. How much do I have to make to file 2016 Taxes?
You can no longer e-file a 2016 Return; eFile.com makes all the 2016 IRS and state forms available plus helpful tax calculators.
Find out if you have to or should file a Tax Return for the current Tax Year . If so prepare and e-file your tax return online on eFile.com! Each year, the eFile App is updated to prepare and e-file current year returns as past year returns are not able to be electronically filed anywhere. The eFile platform handles the tax forms and calculations for you and helps claim tax credits. Use eFile.com to eFileIT in the current year. If you are expecting a Tax Refund, the deadline to claim 2016 Refunds has expired.
Use the free FILEucator tool below to find out if you need to file a 2016 Tax Return. Even if you're not required to file a 2016 return, there are reasons you may want to file a tax return. If you are owed a tax refund, the time to claim this has expired.
Prepare and e-file your taxes in the year they are due so you do not have to worry about handling complicated forms: DoIT Less Taxing on eFile.com.
Minimum Income Requirements to File 2016 Taxes
If you earned below the minimum income for your filing status, you may not be required to file a federal tax return. However, there are reasons why you may still want to file.
What Is Gross Income?
Your gross income usually includes taxable income and non-taxable income. Here are types of income you may need to consider when deciding whether or not you have to file a 2016 Return:
Examples of Taxable Income: Wages and salaries, tips and gratuities, unemployment benefits, canceled/forgiven debt, self-employment income.
Learn more about 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).
Learn more about non-taxable income.
Minimum Income Requirements to File a 2016 Federal Tax Return
Your minimum income requirement to file a 2016 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 |
$10,350 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$11,900 |
$400 |
| Head of Household |
Under 65 |
$13,350 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$14,900 |
$400 |
| Married Filing Jointly |
Under 65 (both spouses) |
$20,700 |
$400 |
| 65 or older (one spouse) |
$21,950 |
$400 |
| 65 or older (both spouses) |
$23,200 |
$400 |
| Married Filing Separately |
Any age |
$4,050 |
$400 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Children |
Under 65 |
$16,650 |
$400 |
| 65 or older |
$17,900 |
$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 Why I May Need to File a 2016 Tax Return?
No matter the amount of your total income, you may need to file an income tax return if any of the following are true:
- You had net self-employment income of $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 other 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.
Do I Need to File a 2016 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 $2,300 unearned) |
$400 |
| 65 or older AND blind |
More than $8,800 earned (or more than $3,550 unearned) |
$400 |
Why Would I Want to File a 2016 Tax Return?
There are several reasons why you may want to file or e-file a tax return even if you do not meet the minimum income requirements:
- 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 are claiming 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 estimated tax or applied a prior year overpayment to this year, you must file to receive the refund.
How Do I Complete and File a 2016 Tax Return?
Since the IRS only accepts e-filed tax returns for the current Tax Year, you will need to prepare your 2016 return on paper and mail it to the IRS. Follow these instructions on how to file your 2016 tax return:
- Find and download 2016 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 (i.e., W-2, 1099-MISC, etc.) to your return.
- Mail your return to the IRS address listed on your return - do not use the current year mailing address.
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