Knowing When You Have to File a Tax Return

You can file a tax return even if you are not required to file, in order to get a refund.

Each year the requirements to file change. For instances in 2007 if you were single and under the age of 65 and your "gross income" was at least $8,750 or if you were 65 or older and your gross income was $10,500 - you would be required to file a tax return.

For this same year (2007) the filing requirement changes for each filing status, for example if you were under the age of 65 and were filing as head of household, and your gross income was at least $11,250 or $12,500 for 65 or older - then you would be required to file a return.

To view the tax laws for past due tax returns that you are filing, visit irs.gov and click on More Forms and Publications and then click on Previous Years to get to the year that you want to file a past due return for.

You must file a return if you are a citizen or resident of the U.S. or a resident of Puerto Rico and you meet the filing requirements.

Example of how to figure your exact age for tax purposes: If you were born on January 1, 1943, you would be considered to be age 65 at the end of 2007.

Gross Income includes all income you received in the form of money, goods, property and services that is not exempt from tax.

(Quick Note: If your spouse is serving in a combat zone and CANNOT sign the married filing joint tax return, attach a signed statement to your tax return and explain that your spouse is serving in a combat zone)