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Uncovering Benefits: Filing Taxes When Not Mandatory

While the typical requirement for filing a tax return is contingent on your income surpassing the standard deduction for your filing status, there might be more to gain even if you’re not obligated to file. You could be overlooking substantial refundable tax credits and the ability to carry forward unused tax benefits.

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The following outlines the income thresholds for filing a tax return for the 2025 tax year (to be filed 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 Criteria - A federal tax return might be necessary even if income falls below standard limits. Consider these situations:

  • You earned $400 or more from self-employment.

  • Special taxes are owed, such as the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • You accepted advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit for marketplace health insurance.

  • Income from a church or religious organization reached $108.28 or more.

  • Uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes apply.

  • You owe household employment taxes.

  • Distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA) occurred.

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Dependents’ Filing Guidelines - The filing criteria alter when one is claimed as a dependent, necessitating a filing if:

  • Unearned income (e.g., interest) exceeds $1,350.

  • Earned income (e.g., wages) surpasses $15,750.

  • Total income is more than the larger of $1,350 or earned income plus $450, up to the standard deduction.

Potential Missed Opportunities: Choosing not to file a tax return might mean forsaking significant refunds. Consider these examples:

  • Tax Withholding – Employees usually see federal income tax withheld from their earnings, and if there's no filing requirement, this is fully refundable. Some credits can lower tax liability to zero, while others, such as refundable ones, might return excess to the taxpayer. Thus, filing when not required but eligible for refundable credits can be beneficial.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Aimed at supporting lower-income workers, the EITC offers sizable refunds. Eligibility involves income, filing status, and qualifying children. For 2025, the EITC could be up to $8,046, entirely refundable, making even non-taxpayers eligible to receive full benefits.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) - Available for children under 17, with $2,200 per child, the refundable limit is $1,700.

    American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – With a $2,500 credit per qualifying student for higher education, up to 40% is refundable, granting a potential $1,000 refund.

  • Premium Tax Credit - Reduces health insurance premium costs for marketplace policies.

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Utilizing Carryover Deductions - Filing can activate carryover deductions to enhance refunds or minimize future taxes. These include:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Losses from past business activities could allow carryforwards up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Excess donations can be carried forward five years, helping offset future income.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rentals or other activities might offset future income.

  4. Capital Losses: Surplus losses over gains can be carried forward.

Additional Insights

  1. State Program Access: Federal tax filings can influence state benefits eligibility and requirements.

  2. Financial Planning: Regular filings create a financial history, aiding in loan, mortgage, or aid applications.

  3. Identity Security: Filings help prevent tax identity theft.

Even when not mandated to file, refunds may reach thousands. With about 25% of EITC-eligible individuals not claiming it, don't miss out on these credits. Even for past years, unclaimed refunds might await. Reach out to us at CPA Consulting Services to discuss potential benefits from filing.

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