Filing Status & Requirements

Your filing status and gross income determine if you have to file a 2012 tax return. In the year 2011 if your filing status is single and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $9,750 ($9,500 in 2011). If 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $11,200 ($10,950 in 2011). If your filing status is Married and living with your spouse as of the last day of the year and both people are under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $19,500 ($19,000 in 2011). If one over 65 and one 65 or older then the gross income amount must be more than $20,650 (20,650 in 2011). If both people are 65 or older then the gross income must be more than $21,800 ($21,300 in 2011). If your filing status is Head of Household and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $12,500 ($12,200 in 2011). If 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $13,950 ($13,650 in 2011). If your filing status is Widow(er)and under age 65 then the gross income must be more than $15,700 ($15,300 in 2011). If 65 or older than the gross income must be more than $16850 ($16,450 in 2011). If your filing status is Married filing a separate return the the gross income must be more than $3,800 ($3,700 in 2011) regardless of the age.