Whether you’re required to file a tax return will depend on several factors, including your gross income, filing status, age, and whether you’re a dependent on someone else’s federal income tax return. And you may have to file even if you don’t owe any tax.
To get more specific information on who must file, check out IRS Publication 501. For most people, gross income is the main trigger for filing requirements. For example, in 2019, the filing threshold for single people younger than 65 was $12,200. For married couples filing jointly, it was $24,400 if both spouses were younger than 65.
If you were named as a dependent on someone else’s return and had income, you might also have to file, even if your income was much lower than the general threshold. Publication 501 has more detailed information on when dependents must file.
You’ll also need to file a return if you had at least $400 in self-employment earnings or meet other specific requirements, such as earning untaxed tips, receiving money from tax-exempt churches, or owing alternative minimum tax. IRS Publication 501 goes into details about these and other special situations.
Each year, you’re required to file your federal income tax return for the previous calendar year by Tax Day. Usually, the filing deadline is on or around April 15, though if the 15th falls on a weekend or holiday the deadline can be bumped to the next business day.
According to the IRS, most refunds are issued within 21 days for taxpayers who e-filed and who are having their refund directly deposited. Refunds take up to six weeks if you submitted paper returns. Claiming certain credits or deductions might delay your refund. You can check the status of your refund on the IRS “Where’s My Refund” website.