Do You Need to File a Tax Return in 2026?

Income Limits and Exceptions to Know

 

One of the most common tax questions each year is simple: Do I need to file a federal tax return?

The answer depends on several factors, including your income level, filing status, age, and whether you qualify for certain credits or deductions. Filing when you are not required may still be beneficial, while failing to file when you should can create penalties and missed opportunities.

Here are the key rules taxpayers should understand for the 2025 tax year filing season in 2026.

Income Thresholds That May Require Filing

In many cases, if your gross income is below the standard deduction, you may not be required to file a federal tax return.

For the 2025 tax year, the standard deduction amounts are:

• Married filing jointly: $31,500
• Head of household: $23,625
• Single filers: $15,750

If your income is below these amounts, you may not be required to file.

Additional Thresholds for Taxpayers Age 65 or Older

Taxpayers age 65 or older receive an additional standard deduction amount.

• Married couples: An additional $1,600 per spouse age 65 or older
• Single or head of household: An additional $2,000

For example, a single taxpayer age 65 or older generally would not be required to file if their income is $17,750 or less.

New Senior Deduction for 2025

A new $6,000 senior deduction per qualifying taxpayer is also available for the 2025 tax year.

This deduction begins to phase out for taxpayers with income above:

• $75,000 for single filers
• $150,000 for married couples filing jointly

Even if you believe your income falls below filing requirements, reviewing your eligibility for this deduction may still make filing worthwhile.

Situations Where Filing a Tax Return Still Makes Sense

Even when your income is below filing thresholds, you may still want or need to file a tax return.

To Claim a Refund of Withheld Taxes

If federal or state taxes were withheld from your paycheck or a Form 1099, the only way to receive that refund is by filing a return. Refunds that go unclaimed for three years are forfeited.

To Claim Refundable Tax Credits

Some tax credits can generate a refund even if you owe no income tax.

Examples include:

• Child Tax Credit
• Earned Income Tax Credit
• Premium Tax Credit
• Adoption Credit
• American Opportunity Tax Credit

These credits may make filing worthwhile even when income is low.

If You Are Claimed as a Dependent

Special rules apply to dependents who have income. Filing requirements may depend on:

• Earned income such as wages
• Unearned income such as interest or dividends
• Age and student status

Dependents should coordinate with the taxpayer claiming them before filing.

To Start the IRS Audit Time Limit

Once a tax return is filed, the IRS generally has three to four years to audit it. If a return is never filed, that statute of limitations never begins. In some cases, filing a return with little or no tax due can still be beneficial simply to start that clock.

When in Doubt, Review Your Filing Requirement

Determining whether you need to file a tax return is not always straightforward. Income levels, deductions, credits, and life changes can all affect the answer. Before deciding not to file, it may be worth taking a closer look to ensure you are not missing a refund or creating an issue down the road.

Get Guidance From Alloy Silverstein

If you are unsure whether you need to file a tax return this year, the tax advisors at Alloy Silverstein can help review your situation and guide you through the decision.

Contact our team or visit our Tax Season Resource Center for more insights and tools to help you prepare for filing season.