Who Must File a Tax Return 2023 and What to Know

If you're wondering who must file a tax return in 2023, the answer is more than just those with a steady income. Single filers with a gross income of $12,950 or more must file a tax return.

You'll also need to file a tax return if you're married filing jointly and have a gross income of $25,900 or more. This applies even if you're not working, but have other sources of income like investments or a side hustle.

Some people may think they're exempt from filing, but that's not always the case. For example, if you're a single filer with a gross income of $12,950 or more, you'll need to file a tax return, regardless of your age.

If you're wondering who must file a tax return, it's actually quite straightforward. You're required to file a tax return if your gross income exceeds the amount shown in the Filing Requirements Chart for Tax Year 2023 for your filing status.

In North Carolina, this means every resident whose gross income exceeds the chart amount, as well as part-year residents and nonresidents who received income from North Carolina sources. For nonresidents, this includes income from business, trade, profession, or occupation carried on in North Carolina, or from gambling activities in North Carolina.

If you're under age 65, you must file a federal income tax return if your income exceeds $13,850 for single filers, $20,800 for head of household, or $27,700 for married filing jointly. For those age 65 or older, the income threshold is higher, at $15,700 for single filers, $22,650 for head of household, and $29,200 for married couples filing jointly when one spouse is 65 or older.

Additionally, if you're married and filing separately, you must file a tax return if your income is five dollars or more, regardless of your age. And, if you're a dependent minor, you won't owe tax if your earned income doesn't exceed the standard deduction, which is $13,850 for single filers.

Here are the income thresholds for different filing statuses:

If you're self-employed, you must file a tax return if your net self-employment income is $400 or more. And, if you're a nonresident with income from Louisiana sources, you must file a Louisiana Individual Income Tax Return if you're required to file a federal income tax return.

In North Carolina, you're required to file a state tax return if you meet certain income thresholds. If your gross income for the year exceeds the amount shown in the Filing Requirements Chart for Tax Year 2023 for your filing status, you'll need to file a return.

The Filing Requirements Chart is a crucial tool to determine if you need to file a return. For example, if you're a resident of North Carolina, you'll need to file if your gross income exceeds the amount listed in the chart.

Here are the different types of individuals who are required to file a North Carolina individual income tax return:

Note that gross income means all income you received, including money, goods, property, and services, unless it's exempt from tax.

In North Carolina, you're required to file an individual income tax return if your gross income exceeds a certain amount. This is determined by your filing status.

To determine if you meet the filing requirements, check the Filing Requirements Chart for Tax Year 2023. The chart shows the minimum gross income amounts that trigger a filing requirement.

If you're a part-year resident or nonresident, you must file a tax return if your income from North Carolina sources exceeds the minimum amount shown on the chart. This includes income from real or tangible personal property, businesses, trades, professions, or occupations carried on in North Carolina, or from gambling activities.

Gross income includes all money, goods, property, and services you received, excluding exempt income. You don't include social security benefits unless you're married filing separately or your benefits plus other income exceed $25,000.

Here's a breakdown of the minimum gross income filing requirements for North Carolina:

Note that North Carolina's minimum gross income filing requirements differ from the federal Internal Revenue Code.

In Illinois, you'll need to file a tax return if you're a resident or have income from a source within the state.

The tax year in Illinois runs from January 1 to December 31.

You must file a tax return by April 15th of the following year, unless you've requested an automatic six-month extension.

If you're a resident of Illinois, you'll need to file Form IL-1040, which is the state's personal income tax return form.

The state income tax rate in Illinois ranges from 4.95% to 7.85%, depending on your income level.

You'll need to pay a minimum penalty of $100 if you fail to file your tax return on time.

If you've made estimated tax payments, you can file Form IL-1040-ES to report and pay these amounts.

You can file your Illinois tax return electronically or by mail, and it's a good idea to keep a copy of your return for your records.

The state of Illinois offers a tax credit for certain types of volunteer work, such as serving as a foster parent or participating in the AmeriCorps program.

You can claim this credit on Form IL-1040, and it may help reduce your state income tax liability.

If you're wondering who needs to file a tax return, the answer depends on your age and income level. If you're under 65, you must file a return if your income meets certain thresholds.

For single filers, the threshold is $13,850. For head of household, it's $20,800. If you're married and filing jointly, the threshold is $27,700. And if you're a qualified surviving spouse, the same threshold applies.

If you're 65 or older, your income threshold is higher. For single filers, it's $15,700. For head of household, it's $22,650. For married couples filing jointly when one spouse is 65 or older, it's $29,200. And if both spouses are 65 and older, the threshold is $30,700.

One important note: if you're married and filing separately, you must file a return if your income is just $5 or more.

Here are the income thresholds in a quick reference table:

If you're a Louisiana resident, part-year resident, or nonresident with income from Louisiana sources, you must file a state tax return, even if you don't owe taxes. And if you've overpaid your taxes through withholding or estimated tax, you'll need to file a return to get a refund or credit.