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

In general, individuals are obliged to file a tax return if their annual income surpasses the standard deduction associated with their filing status. However, even if you aren't legally mandated to file, doing so might still offer significant advantages, such as refundable tax credits and the ability to carry over specific tax benefits.

The following table provides the income thresholds for mandatory tax return filing for the 2025 tax year, applicable 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 under 65)

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

Married, Filing Separately

$5 (any age)

$5 (any age)

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

$31,500

$33,100

Other Filing Obligations - Even with income below the threshold, you may still need to file if:

  • You earned over $400 from self-employment.

  • You owe taxes like the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • You received an advance Premium Tax Credit for insurance from a marketplace.

  • Your church-related income was $108.28 or more.

  • You have unpaid Social Security or Medicare taxes.

  • You owe household employment taxes.

  • You or your spouse took a Health Savings Account distribution.

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Dependents' Filing Requirements - If claimed as a dependent, different rules apply. Filing is necessary if they had:

  • Unearned income over $1,350.

  • Earned income over $15,750.

  • Gross income exceeding the larger of $1,350 or earned income plus $450.

Potential Lost Opportunities by Not Filing: Not needing to file doesn’t mean you shouldn’t. Without filing, substantial refunds might be missed. Consider these scenarios:

  • Tax Withholding – Wages often have withheld federal taxes, which can be fully refundable if no filing obligation exists. Some tax credits directly cut down taxes, but others, like the ones discussed next, are refundable, meaning they could return excess credit beyond zero tax liability. So, individuals not required to file might benefit substantially from refundable credits.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – For low to moderate-income workers, this credit provides meaningful refunds, potentially up to $8,046 in 2025, regardless of tax owed.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) - A $2,200 credit for children under 17, partly refundable up to $1,700. Looking at the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC), 40% of it is refundable, providing up to $1,000 for educational expenses even for non-filing scenarios.

  • Premium Tax Credit - This aims to reduce healthcare costs through Marketplace purchases.

Leveraging Carryover Deductions – Even minimal income warranting no filing might involve deductions that require filing before carrying forward to cut future taxes or enhance refunds, such as:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Previous business losses can generally be carried forward up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Contributions beyond yearly limits can offset future incomes for up to five years.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses on rentals or similar activities, carried forward to offset incoming passive income.

  4. Capital Losses: Loss carryovers offset future gains or ordinary income beyond current year profits.

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Additional Considerations:

  1. State Program Eligibility: Federal filings influence state taxes and benefits.

  2. Financial Planning Ahead: Keeps a documented return record aiding in loans, mortgages, or aid applications.

  3. Identity Security: Filed returns safeguard against fraudulent claims, ensuring taxpayer protection.

Ultimately, the possibility of reclaiming significant refunds underscores the benefits of filing even when not obligatory. Approximately 25% eligible for the EITC don’t claim it. Don’t overlook refundable credits simply due to non-obligation to file. If filing isn’t required for you, connect with our office to explore benefits and receive preparatory guidance. Even previous non-filed years might still secure refunds.

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Gilbert, Arizona 85233
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