do i need to file taxes if i made 600 from unemployent/covid relief

[maztt]

got a random 600 from unemployment that was back pay towards end of 2021 do i need to file taxes

[Critter-3]

ALL income from ALL sources must be reported on the income tax return no matter how much is was ... remember the IRS also gets copies of those form so if you leave it off you are guaranteed to get an audit letter. 

[maztt]

im getting conflicting answers, took the irs test thing on their site and it said i dont need to if i made less than $12,300

[Critter-3]

Ok ... you are talking about different 2 things ... the requirement to file a return and what to report on an income tax return.

Now if you are below the filing requirement for your filing status you are not required to file a return.  

But if you are required to file then all income from all sources must be reported.  

For 2021 ... even if you are not required to file you may want to file to get back any taxes withheld and/or any refundable credits you are eligible for like the CTC & EIC.  

[maztt]

ok all i made 2021 was $600 so i dont need to but if i do then i might get back some from credits?

[Critter-3]

Possibly if you had kids to claim or your 2019 Earned income was greater than $600.   Try one of the IRS FREE FILE options to check is out ... doesn't hurt to try.  And if you did not get the third stimulus payment that is also a credit on the 2021 return.     https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free