If you are single and over age 23, you are required to file a tax return if you have taxable income of more than $12,950, or self-employment income of more than $400. Taxable income includes wages, but also taxable disability payments**, pensions, gambling prizes, unemployment compensation, investment income, and most other forms of income. (**Some workplace injury payments may be non-taxable, depending on how the insurance plan is set up.)
If you are married, or under age 24, the rules are more complicated.
If you don't have taxable income over the filing requirement, you aren't required to file, but you may qualify for certain benefits if you do file.
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