Must I file a tax return if I have only retirement income?

[JohnR1 · Accepted solution]

You may not need to file a federal income tax return - not everyone is required to file an income tax return each year. 

Generally, if your total income for the year doesn't exceed the standard deduction plus one exemption and you aren't a dependent to another taxpayer, then you don't need to file a federal tax return. The threshold amount of income that you can earn before you're required to file a tax return also varies, based on the type of income, your age and your filing status.

Please also keep in mind - each state that imposes an income tax has its own filing requirements, so you should review the state return instructions, to determine whether you have a state filing requirement.

To see the specific gross income threshold for each filing status, please see the following TurboTax FAQ, "Do I need to file a federal return this year?":

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3302274

Please also see the following TurboTax guide, "Does Everyone Need to File an Income Tax Return?":

https://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/Does-Everyone-Need-to-File-an-Income-T...