Question

Woh must file a 2024 California income tax return?

Answer 1

I assume you meant “Who must file a 2024 California income tax return?” Here’s how to tell — and how I can help.

Short answer
- California residents generally must file a CA Form 540 if their income (from all sources) and filing situation meet the state’s filing thresholds, if they owe CA tax, or if they want a refund/credits.
- Part‑year residents and nonresidents must file a California return (Form 540NR) if they had California source income or meet the state thresholds.
- Dependents, married filing separately filers, people who had CA tax withheld, or those claiming refundable credits may also need to file.

Why it depends
California’s filing requirement is based on your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household), your age, and whether you’re a dependent. The Franchise Tax Board (FTB) publishes specific income thresholds each tax year; those dollar amounts change from year to year.

When you must file for 2024 (practical check)
You should file a 2024 California return if any of these apply:
- Your gross income or California adjusted gross income exceeds the state’s filing threshold for your filing status and age.
- You owe California income tax.
- You had California tax withheld and want a refund.
- You qualify for California refundable credits (e.g., California Earned Income Tax Credit) and want to claim them.
- You were a part‑year resident or nonresident with California source income.

What I can do for you
If you want a specific yes/no answer, tell me:
- Your filing status (single, married filing jointly, married filing separately, head of household)
- Your age (or whether anyone is 65+ or a dependent)
- Whether you are a California resident, part‑year resident, or nonresident
- Your total income for 2024 and (if different) California‑source income
- Whether someone can claim you as a dependent

I’ll check the applicable threshold and tell you whether you need to file.

If you prefer, you can also use the FTB’s online “Do I need to file?” tool or see the official FTB guidance at ftb.ca.gov (search “Do I need to file a California tax return?”).