The minimum income requiring a dependent to file a federal tax return. 2016 filing requirements for dependents under 65:Earned income of at least $6,300, unearned income (like from investments or trusts) of at least $1,050, or self-employment income over $400. You must include on your Marketplace application income for any dependent required to file. Different thresholds apply for dependents 65 or older or blind, or who have both earned income (like wages and salaries) and unearned income. Taxpayers who aren’t dependents have other filing thresholds.