Hi I worked in the US last year for about 3 months. My income was quite low and I’m wondering do you have to earn a certain amount of money before you pay tax?

[IreneS · Accepted solution]

Yes - If your 2018 income is above the amounts listed below for your filing status, you must file a return.  If your income is below the limits, you don't have to file.

Filing Status: Single

• Under age 65: $12,000
• 65 or older:  $13,600
  

Filing Status: Married filing jointly

• Under age 65 (both spouses) -  $24,000
• 65 or older (one spouse) - $25,300
• 65 or older (both spouses) - $26,600

Filing Status: Married filing separately

• Any age - $5
  

Filing Status: Head of Household

• Under 65  -  $18,000
  
• 65 or older - $19,600
  

Filing Status: Qualifying widow(er)

• Under 65  -  $24,000
  
• 65 or older - $25,300
  

[barryr7]

Thanks! If I earned under the $12,000 but I had tax withheld am I allowed claim this back?
If I was legally working in the US on a temporary visa and not a resident do you know if the above rules still apply?