text: how much income does a 76 year old have to earn to pay taxes?   the amount of income necessitating a tax return filing depends on your filing status: single: $9,450 married, joint return, both spouses over 65: $18,400 married, joint return, one spouse over 65: $17,400 married, separate return: $3,200 head of household: $11,750 widow or widower with dependent child: $14,200