Married Taxpayers Filing Jointly. If both married taxpayers are under 65, they can earn up to $18,999 and not need to file a return. Should one of the spouses have celebrated a 65th birthday, both could earn up to $20,149 without filing a tax return.hould you be 65 or older, you could earn up to $10,949 and be exempt from filing a federal tax return. However, you may qualify for an Earned Income Tax Credit, which is refundable in cash to you. Also, if you've had income taxes withheld, you should file to receive a refund of your money.