Why You Should File a Tax Return Even When It's Not Required

For most individuals, filing a tax return is obligatory when their income surpasses the standard deduction for their filing status. However, there are circumstances when filing, even if not required, can be extremely beneficial. Those who choose not to file may miss out on significant refundable tax credits and retainable tax benefits.

Let's take a closer look at the income thresholds for filing a return for the 2025 tax year, due in 2026:

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 Requirements - Even if your income is below these thresholds, other circumstances might necessitate filing. You should consider filing if:

  • Your net earnings from self-employment total $400 or more.

  • You owe certain special taxes, such as the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • You received advance payments of the health insurance Premium Tax Credit.

  • You've earned income from a church or religious organization exceeding $108.28.

  • Uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes affect you.

  • Household employment taxes are due from you.

  • You or your spouse had a distribution from a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Filing for Dependents - If another taxpayer claims you as a dependent, your filing requirements vary. You'll need to file if you have:

  • Unearned income over $1,350, such as from interest or dividends.

  • Earned income over $15,750, which includes wages and tips.

  • Gross income surpassing $1,350 or your earned income plus $450 up to the standard deduction.

Maximizing Benefits by Filing:

  • Tax Withholding – Most wage earners have federal tax withheld from their paychecks, which can be fully refunded if filing isn't mandated. When someone files, they can reclaim accumulated withholding if owed no tax.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Designed for lower-income individuals and families, the EITC can offer substantial returns, such as up to $8,046 for the 2025 tax year. Importantly, it is a fully refundable credit.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) – Providing up to $2,200 per child under 17, the refundable portion can reach $1,700 per child. American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – This education-related credit offers up to $2,500 per eligible student annually, with up to $1,000 refundable.

  • Premium Tax Credit – Aims to decrease health insurance premium costs for those utilizing the Health Insurance Marketplace.

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Leveraging Carryover Deductions - Filing annually, even with minimal income, allows taxpayers to carry forward and utilize deductions such as:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Previous business losses can lead to NOL carryforwards, typically extendable for up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Deductions exceeding the annual limit can carry forward for up to five years.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rentals or passive activities may offset future gains.

  4. Capital Losses: Excess losses over gains can offset future investment income.

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Additional Factors to Consider

  1. State Programs and Benefits: Filing affects state-level taxes and potential benefit eligibility.

  2. Financial Future Planning: Maintaining a record of tax returns aids in financial activities like applying for loans or mortgages.

  3. Identity Security: Securely filed returns protect against tax identity fraud.

Many people can leave substantial refunds on the table by not filing a return, even if it's not required. For instance, the IRS reports that about 25% of those who qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit do not claim it. Those who are unsure should reach out to Christiansen Accounting to see if filing will be to their advantage, especially if prior years' refunds are possible.

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