The Answer Spot addresses post-Hurricane Katrina questions. To submit a question, send it to firstname.lastname@example.org.
My sister makes very little money. How do I know if she has to file a federal income tax return?
A variety of factors determine whether or not an individual must file a federal income tax return. Those factors include filing status, age, and the type of income earned.
To find out if you or someone else needs to file, check the individuals section of the IRS website at www.irs.gov or consult the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ for specific details that may help make such a determination. You can also use the Interactive Tax Assistant on the IRS website. The interactive assistant is a tax law resource that takes you through a series of questions and provides you with responses to tax law questions.
Keep in mind that some people should file even if they aren't required to because they may get a refund if they had taxes withheld or they may qualify for refundable credits.