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Maximize Your Refund: Filing Taxes When Not Obligated

While filing a tax return is mandatory for individuals whose income exceeds the standard deduction, those not required to file may still benefit significantly by doing so. Choosing to submit a return can unlock a host of refundable tax credits and carryover benefits otherwise left unclaimed.

Below are the income thresholds for the 2025 tax year, which guides whether a tax filing is necessary:

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 (both under 65) $33,100 (one 65+)
$34,700 (both 65+)
Married, Filing Separately $5 $5
Qualifying Surviving Spouse $31,500 $33,100

Additional Filing Requirements - There may still be a need to file a federal return if income falls below the standard threshold. Situations requiring filing include:

  • Net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more.
  • Owing special taxes, such as the Alternative Minimum Tax.
  • Receiving advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit for insurance obtained from a marketplace.
  • Income from a church or religious organization exceeding $108.28.
  • Uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes.
  • Household employment taxes owed.
  • Distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Dependent Filing Requirements - If claimed as a dependent by another, different thresholds apply. Filing is necessary with:

  • Unearned income over $1,350 (e.g., interest, dividends).
  • Earned income exceeding $15,750.
  • A gross income greater than the larger of $1,350 or earned income plus $450 (up to the standard deduction).
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Potential Benefits of Filing: Not being required to file doesn’t mean skipping the opportunity. By filing, one could recover significant amounts through refundable credits such as:

  • Tax Withholding – Federal income tax withheld from earnings is fully refundable if a return isn’t mandated.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Geared towards low to moderate income workers, the EITC offers substantial refunds based on income, filing status, and family size, potentially reaching $8,046 in 2025.
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) - Offering up to $2,200 per child, with a refundable portion of $1,700.
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – Provides up to $2,500 per student annually, 40% of which can be refunded, enhancing returns even without a tax liability.
  • Premium Tax Credit – Assists in lowering premium costs for marketplace-acquired health insurance.

Utilizing Carryover Deductions: Even with minimal current income, filing allows for the use of carryover deductions that can reduce future taxes or enhance refunds:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Business losses from previous years may carry forward up to 20 years.
  2. Charitable Contributions: Donations beyond limits can carry forward up to five years, ensuring they offset future profits.
  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rentals or passive activities may carry forward, offsetting future gains.
  4. Capital Losses: Excess losses over gains may be carried forward, mitigating future gains.
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Consider Other Aspects:

  1. State Program Eligibility: Federal tax filings often influence state taxes and eligibility for benefits.
  2. Planning Future Finances: Maintaining filed returns aids in securing loans, mortgages, or financial aid.
  3. Identity Protection: Filing prevents fraudulent tax claims, safeguarding your tax identity.

 Not filing could mean missing refunds amounting to thousands. The IRS notes 25% of those eligible for EITC don’t claim it. Don’t miss your opportunity. Consult our office to discover potential benefits by filing now or revisiting past returns to claim overdue refunds.

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