Do You Need to File Taxes on Minimum Wage? Here’s What to Know
Many people earning minimum wage or working part-time wonder if they need to file a tax return. The rules aren’t always straightforward because filing requirements depend on your age, income, and filing status. To make things clearer, this guide aligns with official resources from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
This article is not personalized tax advice. It's meant to help you understand tax rules and concepts at a high level. For specific answers about your situation, always check the IRS website or speak with a qualified tax professional.
How the IRS decides if you need to file taxes
The IRS sets income thresholds each year that determine whether you are required to file a return. These thresholds vary by age, filing status (single, married filing jointly, head of household, etc.), and type of income (self-employed vs. W-2). For example, single filers under 65 have a slightly higher threshold than those over 65.
It’s also important to know the difference between gross income (all money you earn before taxes or deductions) and taxable income (what’s left after deductions). Filing requirements are based on gross income.
The IRS updates these numbers annually. For 2025, you can check IRS Publication 501 for the most up-to-date thresholds. The more you understand the rules, the easier it is to file correctly, and even find opportunities to save on your taxes.
Income thresholds for minimum-wage and low-income workers
Single filers
If you’re working full-time at the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour), your annual income is about $15,000 before taxes. That usually places you above the IRS filing threshold, meaning many full-time minimum-wage workers need to file.
Part-time workers may fall below the threshold. For example, if you work 20 hours per week at $7.25/hour, you’ll earn about $7,500 per year. Depending on your age and filing status, you may not be required to file, but you could still benefit from filing if you qualify for tax credits.
If you work multiple jobs, don’t forget to file using your combined income.
Married couple filing jointly
For married couples, thresholds are higher. A couple where both partners are earning minimum wage at full-time hours would make about $30,000 combined, which is typically above the filing requirement. However, if one spouse works part-time, the household may be under the threshold. Filing jointly can still unlock credits and refunds.
Dependents and young workers
Teens and students with summer or part-time jobs often ask if they need to file taxes. Dependents follow different rules. If you’re claimed on someone else’s tax return, the thresholds are lower. For 2025, dependents with earned income over $14,600 generally must file. If you also have unearned income (like interest or dividends), different rules may apply.
Who has to file taxes on minimum wage earnings?
Here’s a simple comparison using the federal minimum wage ($7.25/hour).
Worker type | Hours/week | Annual gross income | Filing requirement* |
Full-time worker | 40 | ~$15,000 | Likely required |
Part-time worker | 20 | ~$7,500 | May not be required |
Teen (summer job) | 10 (for 12 weeks) | ~$870 | May not be required |
If you have multiple part-time jobs, you will need to file using your combined wages for all of them. Your total income could push you over a threshold where you’d be required to file.
*Always confirm with IRS thresholds for your age and filing status.
Reasons to file even if you don’t have to
Even if your income is below the filing requirement, there are good reasons to file, including:
- Refunds. If taxes were withheld from your paycheck, you may get money back.
- Credits. You might qualify for refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit.
- Proof of income: Filing creates a record of your earnings, which can help when applying for loans, housing, or even bank accounts.
Managing wages and earnings year-round
Keeping track of your income throughout the year can make filing easier. Using tools like the IRS Withholding Estimator, budgeting apps, or financial calculators all year long may help you avoid surprises at tax time.
How to manage unexpected expenses during filing season
Sometimes, tax filing season can compound financial stress. Maybe rent, groceries, or a utility bill is due right when you’re preparing taxes. You might even find out that you owe the IRS.
That’s where earned wage access (EWA) tools like EarnIn's Cash Out1 can help you bridge the gap. With EarnIn, you can get up to $150/day, with a max of $1,000 per pay period from your own earned wages. There’s no interest and no mandatory fees, just flexible access to money you’ve already earned, when you need it. It's not a loan; it's simply a way to get your money when you need it, rather than waiting for the traditional payroll cycle.
Where to find official resources
Tax rules change every year, and the only reliable way to confirm them is through official IRS resources.
Bookmark these pages for quick reference:
- IRS newsroom. Updates and press releases
- IRS Publication 501. Exemptions, standard deductions, and filing info
- IRS Free File. File your taxes online at no cost
Clarity and confidence for wage earners
Whether you’re a full-time worker at minimum wage, a part-timer, or a dependent with a summer job, your filing requirements depend on income, age, and status. Even if you don’t meet the threshold and you’re not required to file taxes, filing may still help you claim refunds or credits, and help when it’s time to apply for other financial instruments, like an apartment rental or mortgage.
Always check the IRS website for the latest information before filing. And remember, small steps like tracking income and filing on time can give you more control, and hopefully less stress, over your finances.
FAQs
What is the minimum income to file taxes?
The minimum income to file taxes depends on your filing status, age, and income type. You can check if you need to file a tax return on the IRS website.
Do part-time workers earning minimum wage need to file?
Some part-time workers may fall below the income threshold, but filing may still be beneficial for refunds or credits.
Do dependents with a summer job have to file?
Whether dependents with a summer job have to file taxes depends on how much they earned and whether they also had unearned income. The rules for dependents are different from those for independent workers.
Can you get a refund if you don’t meet the income threshold?
Yes, you may still get back any federal income tax withheld from your paycheck even if you don’t meet the income threshold to file taxes.
Please note, the material collected in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be relied upon as or construed as advice regarding any specific circumstances. Nor is it an endorsement of any organization or services.
This Blog was sponsored by EarnIn. While the author received compensation, the information shared is grounded in independent research and intended to provide helpful and accurate guidance to readers.
EarnIn is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by our bank partners on certain products other than Cash Out.
1
EarnIn determines your daily and pay period limits (“Daily Max” and “Pay Period Max”) based on your income and financial risk factors as outlined in the Cash Out User Agreement. EarnIn reserves the right to adjust the Daily Max and Pay Period Max at its discretion. Your actual Daily Max will be displayed in your EarnIn account before each Cash Out. For additional information about your Daily Max and Pay Period Max, please refer to our FAQ. Service may not be available in all states. EarnIn does not charge interest on Cash Outs or mandatory fees for standard transfers, which usually take 1–2 business days. For faster transfers, you can choose the Lightning Speed option and pay a fee to receive funds within 30 minutes. Lightning Speed may not be available at all times and/or to all customers. See the Fee Table for details. Tips are optional and do not affect the quality or availability of services.
