How much money do you have to make to pay the first dollar in taxes?

[purple monkey]

I am still confused by personal exemptions and standard deduction.
Can you wise ones help me out?
TIA

[Jack]

It depends on your filing status, number of exemptions, etc.

In my case, married-filing-jointly with two exemptions (for me and my wife), my AGI can reach ($12600 + $4000 * 2) = $20600 before I start getting taxed.

Of course, that assumes no credits and no deductions. If you've got a lot of both, it's possible to earn a lot more before paying the first $1 in tax.

[tj]

Also depends on if your income is earned or LTCT/Qualified Dividend. If all your income is qualified dividends then the number is even higher.

[redcedar]

This article may be a great starting point for you. It can easily be adapted to 2016 if desired.

http://www.millionaireeducator.com/2014/10/2015-free-money.html

[purple monkey]

This article may be a great starting point for you. It can easily be adapted to 2016 if desired.

http://www.millionaireeducator.com/2014/10/2015-free-money.html

Super, super helpful!

[Ed Mills]

Did somebody say free money?!  Here are my numbers for 2016:  http://www.millionaireeducator.com/2015/10/2016-free-money.html.

[ender]

http://forum.mrmoneymustache.com/taxes/optimizing-taxes-maximizing-benefits-for-parttime-working/