How Much Money Can You Make in a Year Without Filing Taxes?

Filling out and filing income tax paperwork is cumbersome, especially if it isn't necessary. Depending on their age, gross income and filing status, some individuals might not have to file taxes.

Taxpayers who are 65 or older on December 31 have higher gross income limits before they are required to file taxes. For example, in 2012 single people under age 65 must file taxes if their gross income is $9,750 or more, while people over 65 must file if their gross income is $11,200 or more.

Gross income, as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), is any non tax-exempt income received, whether in the form of money, goods, property or services. It includes income earned outside the United States, as well as income from the sale of a main home. The income limit for filing taxes ranges from $3,800 for a married person of any age filing separately to $21,800 for a married couple over age 65 filing jointly.

A taxpayer’s filing status can be single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household or qualifying widow/widower with dependent child. Each of these categories has different income limits, which are outlined in IRS Publication 17.

Even if you are exempt from filing income tax because of your age, income or filing status, you may still want to go ahead and file. Why? Because you may be eligible to receive a tax refund.