Can you file a tax return with just unemployment benefits as an income?

Not only can you file a tax return with just unemployment benefits, but in some cases you have to.

Unemployment benefits are considered income, and as long as your income is greater than the filing threshold, you have to file a return.

For 2012 the filing thresholds are $9,750 for single filers and $19,500 for a married couple. You should get a 1099-G [Certain Government Payments] summarizing all of the benefits you received throughout the entire tax year.