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Should You File a Tax Return Even When Not Required? Discover Untapped Tax Benefits!

While it's common knowledge that individuals are required to file a tax return when their income surpasses the standard deduction for their filing status, many might not realize the potential benefits of filing even when not mandated. Opting to submit a return voluntarily could unlock significant refundable tax credits and allow carryovers that might otherwise be lost.

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Understanding the thresholds is crucial. For the 2025 tax year, which is filed in 2026, here are the income benchmarks that dictate the requirement to file:

2025 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURN FILING THRESHOLDS

FILING STATUS

UNDER AGE 65

AGE 65 OR OLDER

Single

$15,750

$17,750

Head of Household

$23,625

$25,625

Married, Filing Jointly

$31,500 (if both spouses are under 65)

$33,100 (if one spouse is 65+)
$34,700 (if both are 65+)

Married, Filing Separately

$5 (any age)

$5 (any age)

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

$31,500

$33,100

Additional Filing Obligations - Even if your income is below these thresholds, certain financial activities may still require you to file a federal return.

  • Net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more.

  • Liability for special taxes, like the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • Receipt of advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit.

  • Church-related income over $108.28.

  • Unpaid Social Security or Medicare taxes.

  • Owing household employment taxes.

  • Distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Special Rules for Dependents - Dependents face distinct filing rules. Filing is necessary if they have:

  • Unearned income above $1,350.

  • Earned income above $15,750.

  • Gross income more than the greater of $1,350 or earned income plus $450 (up to the standard deduction).

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Potential Gains from Filing: Opting to file, even if not compelled, can prevent leaving money unclaimed. Consider these advantages:

  • Tax Withholding – If you've had federal income tax withheld from wages, it could be fully refundable if you owe no tax.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Tailored for lower-income workers, this credit can yield substantial refunds, potentially reaching $8,046 in 2025. It's fully refundable, offering the full credit value even with no tax liability.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) – Despite phase-outs for higher earners, the CTC offers $2,200 per eligible child, with a refundable limit of $1,700.
    American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – This $2,500 credit per eligible student is up to 40% refundable, providing up to $1,000 back even when no taxes are owed.

  • Premium Tax Credit – This credit can decrease health insurance premiums through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Capitalizing on Carryover Deductions - To leverage carryover deductions for future benefits, they need to be claimed in a low-income year, ensuring they're not forfeited. Examples include:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Prior business losses can create NOLs, typically carried forward for up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Excess contributions can be applied up to five years, needing current year filing to maximize future gains.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rentals can offset future passive income if carried forward.

  4. Capital Losses: Surpassing capital gains, excess losses can be forwarded to offset future incomes.

Additional Benefits

  1. Access to State Programs: Federal filing influences state tax outcomes and state-based benefits eligibility.

  2. Future Financial Readiness: Consistent tax records aid in securing loans, mortgages, or financial aid.

  3. Fraud Prevention: Filing blocks illegitimate claims to maintain your secure tax identity.

Even without filing obligations, unclaimed refunds might reach thousands. Reports suggest 25% of eligible individuals miss out on the EITC each year. Why leave money on the table when you might benefit from filing? Check with our office to assess if you’re eligible for returns and support with the process. Furthermore, prior years' refunds might be within reach if returns weren't filed then.

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