If you are not being claimed by your parent(s) or anyone else as a
dependent, you must file a federal tax return if your gross
income is at least $10,350 for 2016.
If you are being
claimed as a dependent, you must file a return if any of
the following apply.
- Your
unearned income was more than $1,050.
- Your earned income was more
than $6,300.
- Your gross income was more
than the larger of—
- $1,050,
or
- Your earned income (up to
$5,950) plus $350.
Finally, if you have earnings from self-employment of $400
or more, you must file a tax return and pay self-employment tax (the employer's
and employee's share of Social Security and Medicare taxes) on that income.
