For many seniors living on a fixed or low income, tax season brings confusion and anxiety. The most common question is often the simplest: “Do I even need to file a tax return?” The good news is that many seniors don’t have to. This quick guide will walk you through the IRS filing requirements for seniors to help you find a clear answer.
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The Main Rule: IRS Gross Income Filing Thresholds
Whether you need to file a federal tax return depends on three things: your age, your filing status, and your gross income. The IRS sets a minimum income level, or “filing threshold,” each year. If your gross income is below this number, you generally are not required to file.
Below are the federal filing thresholds for the 2024 tax year (the return filed in early 2025). The 2025 amounts will be slightly higher due to inflation, but this chart is an excellent guide.
| Filing Status | You MUST File If Your Gross Income Was At Least: |
|---|---|
| Single (Age 65 or older) | $15,700 |
| Married Filing Jointly (One spouse 65+) | $30,700 |
| Married Filing Jointly (Both spouses 65+) | $32,250 |
| Head of Household (Age 65 or older) | $23,550 |
What Does the IRS Count as “Gross Income”?
This is a critical piece of the puzzle. Gross income includes all income you receive that is not explicitly tax-exempt. This includes money from:
- Wages, salaries, and tips from a part-time job
- Interest and dividend payments
- Pension and annuity payments
- The taxable portion of your Social Security benefits
For many low-income seniors, the taxable portion of their Social Security may be zero. Income that is generally NOT included in gross income includes gifts, inheritances, welfare benefits, and the non-taxable portion of your Social Security.
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The Big Secret: Why You SHOULD File Even If You Don’t Have To
This is the most important advice for any senior with low income. Even if your income is below the filing threshold, you may be leaving money on the table if you don’t file. You should strongly consider filing a tax return if:
1. You Had Taxes Withheld from Your Income
Did you work a part-time job that took out taxes? Did your pension plan automatically withhold federal income tax? If so, the only way to get that money back is to file a tax return and claim your refund.
2. You Qualify for Refundable Tax Credits
A “refundable” tax credit is like free money from the government. It means you can get a payment even if you owe zero in taxes. If you had any earned income from a job, you might be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). You must file a return to claim it.
Special Situations That Require Filing
A few other situations require you to file, regardless of your gross income. The most common is if you received advance payments of the premium tax credit for health insurance purchased through the HealthCare.gov Marketplace. You must file to reconcile those payments.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information for informational purposes only and is not legal or tax advice. Tax laws are complex and change. For free, reliable help, consider contacting IRS-sponsored programs like VITA or AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.
