- If you are self-employed, you must file taxes if you make than $400 during the year. Self-employed workers usually have to pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis to cover their income and self-employment taxes due. If you do not do so, you may have to pay significant penalties if you owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year. Self-employment taxes cover Medicare and Social Security, and are equivalent to payroll taxes that are withheld from an employee's paycheck if he works for an outside employer.
- If you make more than the minimum income for your filing status, you must file taxes every April. In 2011, single taxpayers must file taxes if their total income is more than $9,350 and married couples filing joint returns must file if they make more than $18,700. Those who file as head of household must file if they make more than $12,000 for the year. If you are married but choose to file a separate tax return from your spouse, you must file if you make more than $3,650.
- If someone else can claim you as a dependent on her taxes, you must file a yearly tax return if you make more than $5,700 for the year. If you have investment income, you must file a tax return if you receive more than $950. If you live with a relative and that relative pays for more than half of your support, she can claim you as a dependent on her taxes.
- If you make less than the filing threshold for your filing status but had income withheld from your paycheck, you should file a tax return by the April deadline so that you can get your refund. You must file tax returns within three years of the filing date to claim any refunds that are owed to you. If you want to get money back from credits such as the earned income credit, you also must file taxes in April.
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