If I only made $8000 last year do I have to claim it if I am married? And if I do have to claim it, would it make a difference if I filed jointly or seperate?

[leahdeitz1987]

Do I have to file?

[Mike9241]

you don't provide enough information so look at the 1040 filing instructions chart A and C. if you are due a refund, the only way to get it is to file. 

also, you are asking from Live for which you paid extra for help from a Turbotax pro, they should be able to help you in this matter

https://ttlc.intuit.com/community/expert-review/help/how-do-i-connect-with-a-tax-expert-in-turbotax-... 

[JohnB5677]

No, provided you meet these conditions:

• The total of all income is less than $12,900 (The Standard Deduction).
• You don't have any self-employment income (You may owe self-employment taxes).

However, you will have to file a tax return if you want to get a refund for income taxes that were withheld.

[xmasbaby0]

Hold on.....if you file a joint return you absolutely have to enter every dollar of your combined incomes.   So, yes, you enter the $8000 on a joint return.

If you file separately, you have to follow the rules for filing separately. 

 As already mentioned, if any tax was withheld from your pay the only way to get a refund is to file a tax return.   

If even $400 of your income came from self-employment you are required to file, and pay self-employment tax for Social Security and Medicare.

If you were legally married at the end of 2022 your filing choices are married filing jointly or married filing separately.

Married Filing Jointly is usually better, even if one spouse had little or no income. When you file a joint return, you and your spouse will get the married filing jointly standard deduction of $25,900 (+$1400 for each spouse 65 or older)  You are eligible for more credits including education credits, earned income credit, child and dependent care credit, and a larger income limit to receive the child tax credit. 

If you choose to file married filing separately, both spouses have to file the same way—either you both itemize or you both use standard deduction. Your tax rate will be higher than on a joint return. Some of the special rules for filing separately include: you cannot get earned income credit, education credits, adoption credits, or deductions for student loan interest. A higher percent of your Social Security benefits may be taxable. Your limit for SALT (state and local taxes and sales tax) will be only $5000 per spouse. In many cases you will not be able to take the child and dependent care credit. The amount you can contribute to a retirement account will be affected. If you live in a community property state, you will be required to provide additional information regarding your spouse’s income. ( Community property states:  AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, WI)

 If  you are using online TurboTax to prepare your returns, you will need to prepare two separate returns and pay twice.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-married-filing-jointly-vs-married-filing-separately

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1901162-married-filing-separately-in-community-property-states

https://ttlc.intuit.com/questions/1894449-is-it-better-for-a-married-couple-to-file-jointly-or-separ...

[rjs]

Regardless of any other considerations, you are required to file a tax return if you received advance premium tax credit for health insurance from the Marketplace ("Obamacare"), or if you took money out of a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Medical Savings Account (MSA).

You can use the calculator at the following link on the IRS web site to see if you have to file a tax return.

Do I Need to File a Tax Return?

If you do file a tax return, you must report all of your income, no matter what the amount is.