How Much Do You Have to Make to FileTaxes in 2026

🌟 KEY TAKEAWAYS

The amount you can earn without needing to file taxes depends on your age, filing status, and the type of income you receive.

Generally, you don’t have to file taxes if your income is less than the current tax year’s standard deduction for your filing status.

Minimum income thresholds for the 2025 tax year range from $15,750  to $34,700.

Minimum filing requirements are different if someone else can claim you as a dependent on their taxes.

If you generate more than $400 in self-employment income in a year, you are required to report it and pay self-employment taxes.

You may still have to file a tax return in certain scenarios, such as if you owe special taxes, received distributions from an HSA, or are filing separately from your spouse.

Social Security income is not taxable unless it exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status when combined with other income.

You may still want to file a return, even if you’re not required to receive tax credits, and potentially get a tax refund.

How much do you have to make to file taxes? It’s a common question, yet many are still unsure of the answer. Depending on your income, you may not be required to file a federal income tax return in 2025, but it depends on the filing threshold for your specific tax status. Understanding these income thresholds is vital for businesses and individuals, but they change each year, meaning it’s essential to stay current on the latest tax information. 

In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the minimum income required to file taxes in 2025, including special considerations for dependents, self-employed individuals, and Social Security recipients. Let’s take a look.

How much do you have to earn to file taxes for 2025?

You don’t have to file your federal income taxes in 2026  if your income was less than the IRS’s standard deduction in 2025. This is a fixed amount that you’re allowed to subtract from your income. You won’t have to file with the IRS if you are under age 65, a single filer, don’t have special circumstances that require you to file (e.g., self-employment income), and earn less than the 2025 standard deduction of $15,750.

Each year, the IRS sets income thresholds to determine who must file taxes. There are different thresholds for different filing statuses (e.g., single, married, head of household), but these thresholds also vary based on other factors. These include your age, dependency status, and whether or not you’re self-employed.

What is the minimum income to file taxes in 2026

There are different minimum income thresholds for different filing statuses and ages. It’s important to understand your filing status in order to determine which minimum filing threshold applies to your situation.

If you make equal to or more than the income threshold for your age and filing status, you will need to file income taxes with the IRS.

Keep in mind that these income requirements apply to earnings from W-2 jobs. If your income is entirely from Social Security benefits, you won’t need to file a return in most cases.

Dependent filing requirements for a tax return

The filing requirements are different if someone else claims you as a dependent on their tax return.  For 2025, the dependent income limits are:

A dependent’s income is considered unearned when it comes from sources like dividends and interest.

Self-employed filing requirements for a tax return

If you generate more than $400 in self-employed income in a tax year, you’re required to report that income and file self-employment taxes—regardless of your filing status or age. But if your self-employed income is less than $400, you’re not required to file a tax return.

Do I have to file taxes?

You do not need to file taxes if:

You do need to file taxes if:

Do I have to file taxes on Social Security?

If your sole source of income is from Social Security, you generally are not required to file taxes since the IRS does not consider Social Security to be taxable income. However, there are some cases where you may still be required to report it as income on your tax return.

If your Social Security income exceeds the IRS standard deduction (which can happen if you are married, live with your spouse, and file separate tax returns), you may have to report it as income. You may also have to report Social Security income if you earn other tax-exempt income, such as interest payments. If your combined total income exceeds the threshold for your filing status, you may owe taxes and are required to file a tax return.

In order to determine your filing requirements as a Social Security recipient, you can use the IRS combined income formula. This is your adjusted gross income (AGI) plus nontaxable interest plus half of your Social Security benefits. If your total combined income exceeds the standard deduction for your filing status, you will need to file a tax return.

Do you have to file taxes if you don't owe any?

If you don’t owe taxes, you may still need to file a return. There are a few scenarios where it may be advantageous to file a tax return, whether or not it is required. In some cases, filing a tax return, even if you don’t have to, allows you to claim tax credits that may result in a tax refund. Even if you are owed a refund by the IRS, you won’t receive it unless you file a tax return. Consider filing if:

If you’re not sure whether you should file taxes, talk to a tax professional; they can advise you on tax preparation—and whether filing taxes is the right choice for you (even if you’re technically not required to).

Simplify tax filing with FreshBooks

It’s vital to understand your tax filing requirements based on your age, filing status, income type, and dependency status. By educating yourself on these requirements, you’ll not only avoid penalties and other problems with the IRS, but you may receive a tax refund as well.

If you’re looking for a way to simplify your tax preparation, FreshBooks is here to help. This accounting software streamlines every aspect of the tax prep process by tracking income, organizing receipts, and generating detailed, comprehensive reports to ensure accurate filings at tax time. Stay organized, be informed, and approach your taxes confidently—try FreshBooks for free!

FAQs about how much you have to make to file taxes

Have more questions about how much you need to make to be required to file taxes? Learn more with these frequently asked questions.

Where can I find filing requirements for each tax year?

Before you file (or don’t file) your taxes, make sure to check the IRS website for the most updated numbers. These tables are published by the IRS in Publication 17 and Publication 501 and are updated each year.

Do you have to file taxes every year?

Not everyone needs to file a tax return every year. If your income is less than the standard deduction for your age and filing status, and you have no self-employment income or special tax obligations, you aren’t required to file income taxes. 

Do I have to report income of less than $600?

Yes, the IRS requires you to report all income, even if it is less than $600. You won’t receive a Form 1099-MISC or 1099-NEC from an employer for payments under $600, but the income must still be reported to the IRS.

If I make less than $5,000 a year in 2025, do I have to file taxes in 2026?

If you make less than $5,000 a year in earned income, you usually don’t have to file taxes. In general, you aren’t required to file taxes if your income is less than the standard deduction for your age and filing status.

If you make less than $10,000 in 2025, do you have to file taxes in 2026?

Generally, you don’t have to file taxes if you make less than $10,000 in earned income, as the lowest minimum filing threshold for 2025 is $15,750. With that said, some filing statuses or income types have different filing requirements to consider.

Do you have to file taxes in 2026 if you make less than $12,000 in 2025?

Your filing status and age determine your minimum income tax filing requirements. Generally speaking, though, you don’t have to file taxes if your annual earned income is less than $12,000.

What happens if you don't report a small income?

If you are found to have underreported or failed to report income to the IRS, you face accuracy-related penalties from the IRS, including negligence or disregard of the rules or regulations.

What is the maximum I can make without filing taxes?

The amount you can make without filing taxes depends on your age and filing status. For instance, people under age 65 filing as single can earn up to $15,750 without owing taxes, while qualifying surviving spouses 65 or older with a dependent child can earn up to $33,100 without owing taxes.

What type of income does not need to be reported?

Certain types of income do not need to be reported on your income tax return, including gifts, cash rebates, inheritances, alimony payments for divorce decrees finalized after 2018, child support payments, welfare payments, money reimbursed from qualifying adoptions, and most healthcare benefits.