Does John need to file a tax return given his income of $18,700?

John needs to file a tax return because his income exceeds the filing threshold set by the IRS for the tax year. For most individual taxpayers, the requirement to file is based on gross income, filing status, and age. In 2023, the filing threshold for single taxpayers under the age of 65 is $13,850. Since John's income of $18,700 is higher than this threshold, he is required to file a tax return.

Filing a return is not only a legal obligation; it may also provide opportunities for potential tax benefits, like refundable credits, which he may be eligible for despite his income level. Thus, it is in John’s best interest to file his taxes. The specifics of dependent claims or whether he files jointly do not alter the basic requirement stemming from his income level alone.