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iling Thresholds for 2024
Single Filers:
Under 65: Must file if gross income is $22,273 or adjusted gross income (AGI) is $17,818.
65 or older: Must file if gross income is $29,723 or AGI is $25,268.
Married/RDP Filing Jointly:
Both spouses under 65: Must file if gross income is $44,550 or AGI is $35,642.
One spouse 65 or older: Must file if gross income is $52,000 or AGI is $43,092.
Both spouses 65 or older: Must file if gross income is $59,450 or AGI is $50,542.
Head of Household:
Generally, the threshold is around $30,000, but it can vary based on specific circumstances and age.
Dependents:
Dependents must file if their income exceeds the standard deduction amount, which is generally lower than for independent filers.
Which individual(s) must file a 2024 California income tax return?
Laura (34) is a widow. She will file using the qualifying surviving spouse/RDP filing status. She has one dependent. Her California gross income is $38,000, and her California AGI is $33,000.
Brian is single (68). He has no dependents. His California gross income is $27,500, and his California AGI is $23,500.
David (42) and Emma (40) are married and will file married/RDP filing jointly. They have one dependent. Their California gross income is $56,500, and their California AGI is $48,600.
Michael (34) and Sarah (38) are married and will file married/RDP filing jointly. They have no dependents. Their California gross income is $40,500, and their California adjusted gross income (AGI) is $34,500.
Single Filers:
Under 65: Must file if gross income is $22,273 or adjusted gross income (AGI) is $17,818.
65 or older: Must file if gross income is $29,723 or AGI is $25,268.
Married/RDP Filing Jointly:
Both spouses under 65: Must file if gross income is $44,550 or AGI is $35,642.
One spouse 65 or older: Must file if gross income is $52,000 or AGI is $43,092.
Both spouses 65 or older: Must file if gross income is $59,450 or AGI is $50,542.
Head of Household:
Generally, the threshold is around $30,000, but it can vary based on specific circumstances and age.
Dependents:
Dependents must file if their income exceeds the standard deduction amount, which is generally lower than for independent filers.
Which individual(s) must file a 2024 California income tax return?
Laura (34) is a widow. She will file using the qualifying surviving spouse/RDP filing status. She has one dependent. Her California gross income is $38,000, and her California AGI is $33,000.
Brian is single (68). He has no dependents. His California gross income is $27,500, and his California AGI is $23,500.
David (42) and Emma (40) are married and will file married/RDP filing jointly. They have one dependent. Their California gross income is $56,500, and their California AGI is $48,600.
Michael (34) and Sarah (38) are married and will file married/RDP filing jointly. They have no dependents. Their California gross income is $40,500, and their California adjusted gross income (AGI) is $34,500.
Answers
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Answered by
GPT-5 mini
Short answers:
- Laura (qualifying surviving spouse, 34): No — does not have to file.
- Brian (single, 68): No — does not have to file.
- David & Emma (married filing jointly): Yes — must file.
- Michael & Sarah (married filing jointly): No — do not have to file.
Brief reasoning (threshold used and comparison):
- Laura (qualifying surviving spouse, treated like married/RDP filing jointly): threshold (both spouses under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Laura’s gross $38,000 < $44,550 and AGI $33,000 < $35,642 → not required to file.
- Brian (single, 65+): threshold for age 65+ single: gross $29,723 or AGI $25,268. Brian’s gross $27,500 < $29,723 and AGI $23,500 < $25,268 → not required to file.
- David & Emma (married filing jointly, both under 65): threshold (both under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Their gross $56,500 > $44,550 and AGI $48,600 > $35,642 → required to file.
- Michael & Sarah (married filing jointly, both under 65): threshold (both under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Their gross $40,500 < $44,550 and AGI $34,500 < $35,642 → not required to file.
Note: I treated "qualifying surviving spouse/RDP" as equivalent to married filing jointly for threshold purposes. Also, even if not required, someone may still want to file to claim withheld taxes or refundable credits. If you want, I can show the specific comparisons in a short table or check any other filing nuances (e.g., California credits or withholding).
- Laura (qualifying surviving spouse, 34): No — does not have to file.
- Brian (single, 68): No — does not have to file.
- David & Emma (married filing jointly): Yes — must file.
- Michael & Sarah (married filing jointly): No — do not have to file.
Brief reasoning (threshold used and comparison):
- Laura (qualifying surviving spouse, treated like married/RDP filing jointly): threshold (both spouses under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Laura’s gross $38,000 < $44,550 and AGI $33,000 < $35,642 → not required to file.
- Brian (single, 65+): threshold for age 65+ single: gross $29,723 or AGI $25,268. Brian’s gross $27,500 < $29,723 and AGI $23,500 < $25,268 → not required to file.
- David & Emma (married filing jointly, both under 65): threshold (both under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Their gross $56,500 > $44,550 and AGI $48,600 > $35,642 → required to file.
- Michael & Sarah (married filing jointly, both under 65): threshold (both under 65): gross $44,550 or AGI $35,642. Their gross $40,500 < $44,550 and AGI $34,500 < $35,642 → not required to file.
Note: I treated "qualifying surviving spouse/RDP" as equivalent to married filing jointly for threshold purposes. Also, even if not required, someone may still want to file to claim withheld taxes or refundable credits. If you want, I can show the specific comparisons in a short table or check any other filing nuances (e.g., California credits or withholding).
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