If Sandeep and Mary earn a combined $28,400, they must file a tax return.

What must Sandeep and Mary do since their combined gross income is $28,400?

• A. They do not need to file a tax return
• B. They need to file a tax return
• C. They should file to claim a refund
• D. They can file jointly or separately

Answer: (B)

Sandeep and Mary are required to file a tax return because their combined gross income exceeds the filing threshold set by the IRS for the tax year. The filing threshold varies depending on factors such as filing status, age, and whether the taxpayer is blind, but generally, for most taxpayers, if their gross income exceeds a certain limit, filing a tax return becomes mandatory. In this scenario, since their combined gross income is $28,400, it surpasses the threshold for most filing statuses, meaning they must file a return to fulfill their legal obligations. Filing a tax return not only ensures compliance with tax laws but also allows them to accurately report their income and potentially qualify for deductions or credits that could lower their tax liability. Other options, while they may touch on different aspects of filing, do not address the mandatory requirement based on their income level. For example, claiming a refund might be relevant if they had withholding or estimated tax payments exceeding their liability, but it does not negate the primary requirement to file due to their income.

Tax filing isn’t just about numbers on a page. It’s about meeting a legal obligation, keeping your records straight, and sometimes landing a benefit you didn’t expect. Let me walk you through a simple scenario—Sandeep and Mary—and why their combined gross income of $28,400 means filing a tax return is the responsible move.

A quick reality check: what “filing threshold” even means

Think of the filing threshold as the line you don’t want to cross unless you’re sure your situation doesn’t require a return. The IRS uses several factors to decide who must file a return: filing status (married, single, head of household, etc.), age, and whether you’re blind. The exact line shifts a bit from year to year, and it can look different for someone just starting out versus someone older. The bottom line, though, is practical: if your gross income climbs above that line for your situation, you’re typically required to file a tax return.

Now, translate that to Sandeep and Mary

In their case, the combined gross income is $28,400. For most filing statuses and in most tax years, that amount sits above the threshold where a return becomes mandatory. That’s why the correct answer to the question “What must Sandeep and Mary do since their combined gross income is $28,400?” is: they need to file a tax return.

Why that rule exists—and why it matters to you

Filing a tax return serves several real purposes beyond “getting money back.” First, it’s how you report your income to the IRS. It’s also how you claim any deductions or credits you’re eligible for. Deductions reduce the amount of your income that’s taxable, while credits reduce your tax bill directly. If you had taxes withheld from paychecks or paid estimated taxes, you might find you’re owed a refund—sometimes a nice surprise. Even so, that doesn’t negate the rule about filing when your income crosses the threshold.

A helpful distinction: what each option you might think about actually means

• A. They do not need to file a tax return — That isn’t correct here. The standard rule for their income level points to a filing requirement.

• B. They need to file a tax return — This is the right choice. It aligns with the threshold concept and keeps them in good standing with the IRS.

• C. They should file to claim a refund — It’s true that refunds happen when withholding or credits exceed tax owed, but that doesn’t remove the legal obligation to file if income crosses the threshold.

• D. They can file jointly or separately — While those are common filing options, the question isn’t about which status to choose; it’s about whether they must file at all. And filing jointly or separately is a separate decision, not a free pass from the threshold.

In other words, the obligation comes first, and the form of filing comes second. This distinction matters when you’re learning how these pieces fit together.

What filing can do for Sandeep and Mary (and for you)

• Compliance, plain and simple: staying on the right side of tax law keeps you out of penalties and interest. That peace of mind is worth something.

• Potential credits and deductions: earned income credits, education credits, or deductions for student loan interest can lower what you owe or boost your refund.

• Documentation for the future: having filed a return creates a paper trail that can help with things like applying for a loan, proving income, or negotiating other financial steps later on.

• A clearer financial picture: the process of gathering W-2s, 1099s, and receipts helps you understand where your money is going, which is useful beyond taxes.

A quick, practical checklist you can use

If you’re ever unsure whether you must file, think in these steps:

• Step 1: What is your filing status? (Are you married, filing jointly? Or single? Are you head of household?) This changes the thresholds.

• Step 2: What is your gross income? If it’s above the threshold for your status and age, you likely need to file.

• Step 3: Did you have taxes withheld or make estimated payments? If yes, filing could lead to a refund.

• Step 4: Do you have special situations? Self-employment income, certain tax credits, or education expenses can affect the filing requirement and your best path.

• Step 5: Keep good records. Your W-2s, 1099s, receipts, and proof of withholding should all be organized in one place.

A little context that helps with the big picture

Tax rules can feel fussy, especially when you see terms like “filing threshold,” “gross income,” and “credits.” Here’s the quick take you can carry in your mental toolkit:

• Gross income is almost every dollar you earned or came into during the year, before deductions.

• A filing threshold is not the same for everyone; it shifts with status and age and other factors.

• Filing isn’t just about paying what you owe; it’s also about making sure you’re not leaving money on the table in credits or refunds you’re entitled to.

• You don’t have to be a math whiz to handle a return. Modern filing tools walk you through the questions, and many people file with straightforward forms.

A little digression that still stays on topic

Tax season feels like a crowded hallway: a lot going on, but if you have a plan, you move through it faster. Some folks think tax rules are a maze, best navigated by a calculator wizard or a software guru. In truth, a lot of it is about keeping receipts, knowing when to report what, and understanding that thresholds are there to set a baseline for who must file. For many students learning the basics, this is less about memorizing every line and more about seeing the pattern: income, status, threshold, and the decision to file.

Why this matters for learners who want to feel confident

If you’re studying tax, you’re building more than just knowledge for a test. You’re equipping yourself to help people and businesses with real-world financial decisions. When you understand why someone must file and what benefits can come from it, you can explain things in plain language, not just numbers on a page. The Sandeep and Mary example gives you a touchstone: a concrete case where income and status push you into the filing lane.

Wrapping it up with a takeaway

Sandeep and Mary’s $28,400 puts them in a space where filing a tax return is the expected and prudent choice. It’s not about chasing a refund first or looking for a loophole; it’s about doing what the rules require and then looking for all the good that can come along with filing. The bottom line is simple: if your gross income crosses the threshold for your situation, you should file a return. That one action keeps you compliant, opens doors to potential credits, and creates a clear financial record for the year.

If you’re building a mental model for tax basics, keep this in mind: thresholds set the baseline for who must file; the return records what you earned and what you paid; credits and deductions soften the final bill or boost your refund. And remember, even when the outcome isn’t obvious at first glance, taking the step to file puts you in a stronger, more informed position.

A few closing thoughts for learners

• Don’t shy away from filing if you’re unsure. Start with the basics: your filing status, your gross income, and whether any tax was withheld.

• Use reliable tools and resources to guide you through the process. Helpful questions and clear explanations make a big difference.

• Stay curious about how credits and deductions work. Understanding them today can save you trouble—and money—tomorrow.

If you ever feel overwhelmed, pause, take a breath, and come back to the core idea: filing is about meeting a legal obligation, reporting your income accurately, and potentially unlocking money you’re owed through credits or withholding. For many people, that simple realization makes the process feel less like a hurdle and more like a practical step toward solid financial health.