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Do I need to file a U.S. tax return?

Living abroad doesn't change the filing rules: they depend on your income, filing status and age. This checker uses the thresholds for tax year 2026, the return due in 2027.

Reviewed by Lewis Grunfeld, CPA
1. Your filing status

Married to someone who isn't American? You'd usually file separately, unless you choose to treat them as a U.S. resident.

2. Were you 65 or older at the end of 2026?
3. Your worldwide gross income for 2026, in U.S. dollars

Before any foreign income exclusion. Include wages, self-employment, pensions, interest, dividends and rent. Leave out U.S. Social Security for now.

$
4. Did you have self-employment income of $400 or more?
5. Did your foreign accounts add up to more than $10,000 at any point?

2026 filing thresholds, at a glance

You must file if your gross income was at least this much.

Filing statusUnder 6565 or older
Single$16,100$18,150
Married filing jointly$32,200$33,850 (one 65+) · $35,500 (both)
Married filing separately$5$5
Head of household$24,150$26,200
Self-employed (any status)$400 of net self-employment income

Based on the 2026 standard deduction amounts. Dependents and some special cases have different rules. Not tax advice.

Helpful reading

GuideNever filed as an American abroad?Where to start. ToolFBAR threshold checkerAdd up your accounts. ToolFull eligibility checkMissed years? Six questions to see if Streamlined fits.