That seems like straight forward question, but the great American tax system is not straight forward.
1. If the $2000 is wage income, and you receive a form W-2, you are not required to file.
2. If the $2000 is from self employment, and/or odd jobs like baby sitting for which you get no tax form or a form 1099-Misc, you have to file a tax return to pay your social security and medicare tax.
3. If you got a W-2 and there is withholding shown in box 2, you may want to file a tax return to get that money back, even though you are not required to file a tax return.
4. Even though you do not have to file, you may still be eligible for a refundable credit and my want to file to get it. You are eligible for a refundable credit if:
-You have earned income and are 25 or older and not claimed as a dependent by someone else
-You have earned income You have earned income and are 25 or older and not claimed as a dependent by someone else and have a child dependent of your own
-You are a half time or more undergrad student, over age 23, and not claimed as a dependent by someone else
