AT-2003-02

WHO MUST FILE A TAX RETURN

There are some instances when you may not be required to file a federal
income tax return. But keep this in mind — more than 70 percent of those
who file are due a refund, so it may be to your advantage to file even if
you are not required to.

The law does require you to file a tax return if your income is above a
certain level. Check the instructions for Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ
(under "filing requirements") for specific details that may affect your
need to file a tax return with IRS this year.

Here are some general guidelines for anyone under age 65. Remember, these
guidelines may change based on your particular situation. In general, once
you have the following gross income amounts, the law requires you to file
a federal tax return with the IRS:

Single $ 7,700
Head of Household $ 9,900
Married Filing Jointly $13,850
Married Filing Separately $ 3,000

Generally, a person who is self-employed must file a tax return if his or
her net earnings from self-employment for the year exceed $400.

Even individuals who don't earn enough to be required to file a tax return
may be eligible for an earned income credit up to $2,506 for a taxpayer
with one qualifying child and $4,140 for a taxpayer with two or more
qualifying children. Some individuals who do not have a qualifying child
may be eligible for a credit of up to $376. However, you must file a
return to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. You must also file a
return if you received any advance payments of this credit while you
worked during the year.

For more information, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov.

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