Do you NEED to FILE your TAXES for 2011?
Posted by Highbaugh Tax/Tami Highbaugh-Abdullah | Posted in Earned Income Credit, General Tax Questions, Tax filing income requirement | Posted on 18-01-2012-05-2008
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Wondering if you are required to file taxes in 2011. You may not have to… So who must file a Return in 2011? The information below should help you figure it out.
You must file a return if you are a U.S Citizen or Resident Alien and have gross income that is more than the amounts show below in the table. There are some exceptions though… for instance you must file a return:
- If you had net earnings from self employment of at least $400.00
- If you received any advance earned income credit (EIC) payments from your employer
- If you had wages of $108.28 or more from a religious organization that is exempt from Social Security and Medicare Taxes
Also if you owe any of the following special taxes:
- Social Security & Medicare taxes on tips not reported to your employer
- Uncollected Social Security, Medicare or railroad retirement tax on tips reported to an employer
- The alternative minimum tax
- Household employment taxes
- Additional tax on a qualified retirement plan, including an IRA
- Additional tax on a health savings account (HSA), Archer MSA, Coverdell education savings account (ESA) or qualified tuition program
- Recapture of certain tax credits and other benefits reported on line 44 and line 60, ie. education credit, investment credit, first-time buyer credit, and the credit for employer-provided childcare facilities
Who Must File a Return in 2011
| Filing Status | Age | Gross Income of at least: |
| Single | Under 65 | $9,500 |
| Under 65 | $10,950 | |
| Married Filing Jointly | Under 65 (both spouses) | $19,000 |
| 65 or older (one spouse) | $21,150 | |
| Qualifying Widow(er) w/ dependent child | Under 65 | $15,300 |
| 65 or older | $16,450 | |
| Married Filing Separately | Any age | $3,700 |
| Head of Household | Under 65 | $12,200 |
| 65 or older | $13,650 | |
| Singled, claimed as a dependent | Under 65 | Greater of $950 or EIC up to $5,500 |
| 65 or older or blind | Greater of $2,400 or EIC up to $5,500 | |
| 65 or older & blind | Greater of $3,850 or EIC up to $5,500 | |
| Married, claimed as a dependent | Under 65 | Greater of $950 or EIC up to $5,500 |
| 65 or older or blind | Greater of $2,100 or EIC up to $5,500 | |
| 65 or older & blind | Greater of $3,250 or EIC up to$5,500 |
