The amount of money you can earn before it becomes taxable, meaning the threshold at which you are generally required to file a federal income tax return, depends on several factors, including your gross income, filing status, and age. For Tax Year 2022, these thresholds are specifically defined.
Understanding Gross Income and Filing Requirements
Gross income refers to all income you receive from all sources, unless it is specifically exempt from tax. It includes money, goods, services, and property. Reaching a certain gross income level generally triggers the requirement to file a tax return, even if you don't owe any tax. This is often because employers withhold taxes from paychecks, and filing a return is necessary to get a refund if too much was withheld.
Income Thresholds for Filing a Tax Return (Tax Year 2022)
The following table outlines the minimum gross income that required a taxpayer to file a return for Tax Year 2022, based on common filing statuses and age:
| Filing Status | Taxpayer Age at End of 2022 | Gross Income Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Single | Under 65 | $12,950 |
| 65 or older | $14,700 | |
| Head of Household | Under 65 | $19,400 |
| 65 or older | $21,150 |
Please note: These thresholds apply to most individuals. Specific situations, such as income from self-employment, certain credits, or unearned income for dependents, may have different filing requirements.
Key Considerations:
- Filing Status: Your filing status (e.g., Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly, Married Filing Separately, Qualifying Widow(er)) significantly impacts your standard deduction amount and income thresholds. The data provided focuses on Single and Head of Household.
- Age: Individuals aged 65 or older often have a higher standard deduction, which translates to a higher income threshold before they are required to file.
- Gross Income: This is the total amount of money you earn before any deductions or exemptions are applied. It's the primary figure used to determine if you meet a filing threshold.
Meeting one of these thresholds means you are generally obligated to file a tax return. However, it's important to remember that even if your income is below these amounts, you might still choose to file a return to claim a refund for withheld taxes or to claim refundable tax credits.
