Free Tax Resources

For freelancers, side hustlers, and other self-employed people, the answer is $400 in self-employment income. That’s after you subtract your write-offs. People who only have W-2 income, though, don’t have to file taxes unless they’re making at least the standard deduction. Sometimes, though, you should file your taxes even if you’re not required to. You can get a refund back!

You won’t go to jail — unless you evaded taxes on purpose and your tax bill is really high. The most common consequence is having to pay a penalty, up to 25% of what you owe. Depending on how behind you are, you might have to deal with other inconveniences, like being forced to paper file and losing out on your refund.