Do I Need to File Taxes in 2025?
As an American citizen or green card holder, it’s important to understand your tax obligations whether you live in the United States or abroad. With 2025 around the corner, you need to know the minimum income to file taxes, which depends on your filing status, age, and whether you qualify for certain tax exemptions. These rules apply even to US expats and American citizens living abroad.
We share this guide by Expat Tax Online, which explains the thresholds, what makes you have to file a federal tax return and how to avoid common filing mistakes in the coming year.
What is the Minimum Income to File Taxes in 2025?
For the minimum income to file taxes varies by your filing status and age. See below for the key thresholds for 2025 (this is subject to annual IRS adjustments). For simplicity, the IRS classifies your filing status under the following categories:
- Single
- Married Filing Jointly
- Married Filing Separately
- Head of Household
- Qualifying Widow(er)
Income Thresholds for 2024: Minimum to File Taxes
| Filing Status | Age | Minimum Income Requirement (2024) |
| Single | Under 65 | $14,600 |
| Single | 65 or older | $16,850 |
| Married Filing Separately | Any age | $5 |
| Head of Household | Under 65 | $21,900 |
| Head of Household | 65 or older | $23,150 |
| Married Filing Jointly | Under 65 (both spouses) | $29,200 |
| Married Filing Jointly | 65 or older (one spouse) | $30,650 |
| Married Filing Jointly | 65 or older (both spouses) | $32,100 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child | Under 65 | $29,200 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child | 65 or older | $30,650 |
| Self-employed | Any age | $400 |
Dependent Minimum Income Thresholds (2024)
Single Dependents:
| Age and Status | Minimum Earned Income (2024) | Minimum Unearned Income (2024) |
| Under 65 (not blind) | $14,600 | $1,250 |
| 65 or older OR blind | $16,850 | $3,100 |
| 65 or older AND blind | $19,100 | $4,950 |
Married Dependents:
| Age and Status | Minimum Earned Income (2024) | Minimum Unearned Income (2024) |
| Under 65 (not blind) | $14,100 | $1,250, OR gross income ≥ $5 with a spouse filing separately and itemizing deductions |
| 65 or older OR blind | $15,600 | $2,750, OR gross income ≥ $5 with a spouse filing separately and itemizing deductions |
| 65 or older AND blind | $17,100 | $4,250, OR gross income ≥ $5 with a spouse filing separately and itemizing deductions |
US citizens living abroad need to take into account their income when assessing these income limits; however they might qualify for exemptions benefits or write offs that can significantly lower their tax burden. It’s crucial to have a grasp of both the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE ) and the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC ).
Must File a Federal Tax Return: Key Scenarios
Even if your income falls below the thresholds above, there are scenarios where you must file a federal tax return:
- Self-employment income: If you earned $400 or more in self-employment income, you must file a tax return, regardless of your overall income level.
- Taxable Social Security benefits: If you receive Social Security benefits that are taxable, you may need to file a return depending on your total income.
- Advance Premium Tax Credit: If you received this credit to reduce your health insurance costs, you must file a return to reconcile the credit.
Factors That Affect the Minimum Income to File Taxes
The minimum income required for tax filing depends on three main factors which include age and filing status and the type of income received by taxpayers. Your eligibility for the Standard Deduction based on your filing status will reduce the minimum taxable income needed for filing taxes.
Standard Deduction for 2025
The IRS grants a Standard Deduction for all filers. For 2025, the amounts are:
- Single: $12,950
- Married Filing Jointly: $25,900
- Head of Household: $19,400
You do not need to file taxes unless your gross income exceeds the standard deduction limits set by the IRS. Although you do not need to file taxes you should submit a return to claim possible refunds or credits including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
Filing Taxes if You’re Living Abroad
For US expats and American citizens abroad, filing taxes can be a bit more complicated. You may be eligible for exemptions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) but the IRS requires you to report all income worldwide. Here are some tips to help:
- Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE): This exclusion allows expats to exclude up to $108,700 (in 2025) of earned income if they meet certain residency requirements.
- Foreign Tax Credit (FTC): This allows you to offset taxes paid to foreign governments so you don’t get double-taxed.
- Filing Deadlines: U.S. expats get an automatic 2 month extension to file (June 15) and if needed, an additional 4 month extension can be requested.
Expat Tax Online will walk you through these options to make sure you meet your filing requirements and minimize your tax liability.
When You Don’t Have to File
The general rule is if you earn less than the filing threshold you don’t have to file but there are exceptions:
- Non-taxable income: If your income is from non-taxable sources like some government benefits or tax-exempt interest you might not have to file.
- No self-employment income: If you are not self-employed and your total income is below the filing threshold no federal return may be necessary.
But as with all tax matters it’s always best to consult with a professional like Expat Tax Online to make sure you are compliant with U.S. tax laws and not leaving money on the table.
Conclusion: Know Your Filing Requirements for 2025
Do you know if you have to file in 2025? U.S. citizens and expats worldwide need to know. Whether you’re living in the U.S. or abroad, knowing the minimum income to file, your filing status and other key factors can prevent mistakes and ensure you’re meeting your tax obligations.
Not sure if you have to file or need help navigating U.S. tax rules? Expat Tax Online can help. Contact us today.
📌 PAA – People Also Ask
Q: Do I have to file taxes if I’m a U.S. expat?
Yes. U.S. citizens living abroad must file taxes on their worldwide income, but they may qualify for exclusions or credits to reduce their tax liability.
Q: What if I don’t meet the minimum income to file taxes?
If your income is below the threshold, you’re generally not required to file, but you may still file for refunds or tax credits.
Q: How can I avoid filing taxes as a U.S. expat?
You can avoid paying taxes by qualifying for exclusions like the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or credits like the Foreign Tax Credit (FTC).