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If you have gross income* that goes over the threshold** for your filing status, you are legally obliged to file your annual US tax return.
Your filing status depends on your age, income, type of income, and marital status.
There are five primary filing statuses:
- Single: For individuals who are unmarried or legally separated on the last day of the tax year.
- Married Filing Jointly: For couples who are married and choose to combine their income and deductions on a single tax return.
- Married Filing Separately: For married individuals who file separate returns, often used for personal financial responsibility or specific tax benefits.
- Head of Household: For unmarried individuals who pay more than half the cost of maintaining a home for themselves and a qualifying dependent.
- Qualifying Widow(er) with Dependent Child: For those who have lost a spouse and meet certain criteria, allowing them to retain benefits similar to Married Filing Jointly for up to two years after their spouse's death.
* Gross income includes everything from salary, unemployment compensation, investment income, pension income and more.
**Threshold limits change each tax year.
Learn more about expat filing requirements and current thresholds in our Expat Tax Guide.
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