Question

Which of the following taxpayers must file a 2024 California income tax return?

Ryan, single (43), California gross income $22,700, California adjusted gross income (AGI) $19,500, no dependents.


Dolly, single (67), California gross income $18,700, California adjusted gross income $15,500, no dependents.


Maria, single (64), California gross income $19,000, California adjusted gross income $16,500, no dependents.


Austin (66) and Ruth (67) are married. California gross income $53,500, California adjusted gross income $48,500, no dependents.

Answer 1

Short answer
- Ryan — Must file.
- Dolly — Not required to file.
- Maria — Not required to file.
- Austin & Ruth (married) — Must file.

Why
California requires a return if your California gross income or California AGI meets or exceeds the minimum filing amount for your filing status and age. Using the 2024 California filing thresholds, Ryan’s income is above the single (under‑65) threshold, so he must file. Maria and Dolly are below their applicable single thresholds (Dolly is 65+), so they do not need to file. The married couple’s income is above the married filing‑joint threshold for their ages, so they must file.

If you want, I can show the exact 2024 threshold amounts and the line‑by‑line comparison for each person.