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.
As the table indicates, 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.