What amount of income are you allowed to not claim on your taxes

[PhyllisG · Accepted solution]

As a United States citizen, you are required to report all your worldwide income.  There are deductions and/or credits you may be entitled to that will reduce or zero out your income and tax.

However, if your income does not exceed your filing status gross income, then generally you are not required to file a return. It is suggested that you file in order to claim any income tax withholding or estimated tax payments that were made.

The 2018 general tax rules for individual filing are:

Single - Under 65 $12,000 

Single - 65 or older $13,600

Married Filing Jointly - Under 65 (both spouses) $24,000

Married Filing Jointly - 65 or older (one spouse) $25,300

Married Filing Jointly - 65 or older (both spouses) $26,600

Married filing separately - Any age $5

Head of household - Under 65 $8,000

Head of household - 65 or older $19,600 

Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child - Under 65 $24,000

Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child - 65 or older $25,300