What is the minimum gross income requirement to file a tax return?
—Jackie ANSWER: Whether or not you have to file a tax return depends on your filing status and your annual gross income. Gross income includes all taxable income such as salary, capital gains, dividends and interest. Single taxpayers are required to file a tax return for 2008 if their gross income is more than $8,950; in 2009 that figure rises to $9,350. If your filing status is head of household, meaning you’re single but have at least one dependent, the minimum gross income starts at $11,500; if that dependent is your child, the minimum rises. Married couples filing jointly are required to file a 2008 tax return if their combined gross income is over $17,900. There are a variety of “refundable” credits available, though, which means that even if you don’t owe any tax you could be eligible for a bigger refund—and to get any sort of refund, you need to file, regardless of your income. QUESTION: I have an aunt in a nursing home on Medicaid. She recently inherited $75,000. Consequently,
