Las Vegas Review-Journal (Sunday)

Do you need to file a tax return in 2017?

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DEAR SAVVY SENIOR: What are the IRS income tax filing requiremen­ts for retirees this tax season? My income dropped way down when I retired last year in 2016, so I’m wondering if I need to even file a tax return this year. — New Retiree

DEAR NEW: There are several factors that affect whether you need to file a federal income tax return this year including how much you earned last year (in 2016), and the source of that income, as well as your age and filing status.

Here’s a rundown of this tax season’s (2016) IRS tax filing requiremen­t thresholds. For most people, this is pretty straightfo­rward. If your 2016 gross income — which includes all taxable income, not counting your Social Security benefits, unless you are married and filing separately — was below the threshold for your filing status and age, you probably won’t have to file. But if it’s over, you will.

Single: $10,350 ($11,900 if you’re 65 or older by Jan. 1, 2017).

Married filing jointly: $20,700 ($21,950 if you or your spouse is 65 or older; or $23,200 if you’re both older than 65).

Married filing separately: $4,050 at any age.

Head of household: $13,350 ($14,900 if age 65 or older).

Qualifying widow(er) with dependent child: $16,650 ($17,900 if age 65 or older).

To get a detailed breakdown on federal filing requiremen­ts, along with informatio­n on taxable and nontaxable income, call the IRS at 800-829-3676 and ask them to mail you a free copy of the “Tax Guide for Seniors” (publicatio­n 554), or see IRS.gov/pub/irs-pdf/ p554.pdf.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTAN­CES

There are, however, some other financial situations that will require you to file a tax return, even if your gross income falls below the IRS filing requiremen­t. For example, if you had earnings from self-employment in 2016 of $400 or more, or if you owe any special taxes to the IRS such as alternativ­e minimum tax or IRA tax penalties, you’ll probably need to file.

To figure this out, the IRS offers an interactiv­e tax assistant tool on its website that asks a series of questions that will help you determine if you’re required to file, or if you should file because you’re due a refund. It takes about 15 minutes to complete.

You can access this tool at IRS.gov/filing — click on “Do you need to file a return?” under the “Get Ready” tab. Or, you can get assistance over the phone by calling the IRS helpline at 800-829-1040. You can also get face-toface help at a Taxpayer Assistance Center. See IRS. gov/localconta­cts or call 800-829-1040 to find a center near you.

CHECK YOUR STATE

Even if you’re not required to file a federal tax return this year, don’t assume that you’re also excused from filing state income taxes. The rules for your state might be very different. Check with your state tax agency before concluding that you’re entirely in the clear. For links to state tax agencies see Taxadmin.org/state-taxagencie­s. (Nevada does not have a state income tax.)

TAX PREPARATIO­N HELP

If you find that you do need to file a tax return this year, you can get help through the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (or TCE) program. Sponsored by the IRS, TEC provides free tax preparatio­n and counseling to middle- and low-income taxpayers, age 60 and older. Call 800-9069887 or visit IRS.treasury. gov/freetaxpre­p to find a service near you.

Also check with AARP, a participan­t in the TCE program that provides free tax preparatio­n at more than 5,000 sites nationwide. To find an AARP Tax-Aide site, call 888-227-7669 or visit AARP.org/findtaxhel­p. You don’t have to be an AARP member to use this service.

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