When your baby is a little older, you can start adding pumping to your daily routine. While it's not necessary, it's comforting to have a little bit of a stash of milk built up before you return to work. Warning - be sure to read this page on smart use of your freezer stash!
You must file a tax return if your net earnings from self-employment were $400 or more. So consider this: you may be 36 years old, single and make less than $10,000 per year in regular employment income, but if you have a side business that nets you more than $400, you will need to file a federal tax return.
Generally, once you reach a certain income level, the law requires you to file. The amounts are adjusted annually for inflation. The income amounts also are based on taxpayer age on the last day of the tax year. Individuals younger than age 65 must file if they make certain amounts. The earnings threshold amounts go up a bit for older (65-plus) individuals. Regardless of age, the earnings target is the same for married couples who file separate tax returns. In most situations, your age for tax purposes depends on how old you were on the last day of the year.