Can anyone tell me how much money you need to make to have to pay taxes?

Question

I am not talking about filing. I want to know the approximate max income that you would need to make to owe zero dollars, and get back any taxes you had paid through work. I would like to know for a dependant, a single person claiming themselves, and a married couple filing jointly. Assuming the person is not over 65 or blind, or getting any other special deductions.

Answer 1

Self-employment income $400.

Wages and nothing else, $8950 for single, double that for married, less than $5450 for a dependent.

Answer 2

VB gives you the correct answers for 2008.  The limits to have to file are set at the amount where you'd owe taxes.  For a married couple filing joint, double the amount for a single non-dependent.

If you have dependents, credits, or deductions above the standard deduction, it's possible to make over those amounts and still get all of your income tax withholding back and not owe any income tax.  If you qualify for EIC or ACTC, it's possible to get back more than you paid in.

Answer 3

Get a copy of IRS pub 501 from their website.  It will tell you every thing that you need to know.  The rules are complex and transposing the entire mess here just isn't worth the time involved.