Learning Center
We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Maximizing Benefits: Should You File Taxes Even if Not Required?

In many cases, taxpayers are required to submit a tax return if their income surpasses the standard deduction for their specific filing status. Nonetheless, there are compelling reasons to consider filing even when it’s not obligatory. By not filing, you might miss out on substantial refundable tax credits and the chance to embrace carryover tax benefits.

Here's a breakdown of the income thresholds for filing a return for the 2025 tax year, which will be submitted 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 falls below these thresholds, there are situations where filing a federal return remains necessary:

  • You netted earnings from self-employment exceeding $400.

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

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

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

  • You have uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes.

  • You owe household employment taxes.

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

Filing Requirements for Dependents - Dependents of another taxpayer must file if they have:

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

  • Earned income above $15,750.

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

Image 1

Potential Benefits of Filing - Not all those who aren’t required to file a return are better off not doing so. By opting not to file, they could leave significant sums unclaimed. Here’s why it might be worthwhile:

Schedule a Free Consultation
Let's set you up for financial success!
Here

  • Tax Withholding – Many employees have federal tax withheld during their employment. This withheld amount is potentially refundable if they aren't required to file a return.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Tailored for those with lower incomes, the EITC can significantly boost a refund. For those eligible, this credit could be up to $8,046 in 2025, and it's fully refundable.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) - Awarded for each qualifying child under 17, this credit phases out for high-income earners but can still benefit those not mandated to file. The full credit is $2,200 per child, with up to $1,700 refundable.

  • American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – With a credit potential of up to $2,500 for eligible post-secondary students, the AOTC is partially refundable (up to $1,000).

  • Premium Tax Credit - Aimed at reducing health insurance costs, especially via the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Image 2

Using Carryover Deductions - Even when filing isn't required, some deductions should not be overlooked as they may limit future financial benefits:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Business losses from prior years can be carried forward for up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Excess donations can be carried forward for five years, ensuring they offset future income effectively.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rentals or other passive activities can counterbalance future passive income.

  4. Capital Losses: Surpassing capital gains, these losses can roll into future years, offsetting gains or income.

Additional Considerations

  1. State Program Eligibility: Federal returns often influence state tax situations and benefits.

  2. Future Financial Records: Consistently filed returns are invaluable for loans, mortgages, or educational financial aid.

  3. Identity Security: Creating filed returns assists in thwarting fraudulent activities.

Even those not mandated to file may find refunds amounting to thousands. Shockingly, around 25% eligible for the EITC neglect to claim it. Don’t let those refundable credits slip away just because filing isn't necessary. Reach out to our office to assess if filing could be beneficial for you, and how we can assist with your return processing. Late filing for previous years might also reveal unclaimed refunds.

Image 3

Schedule a Free Consultation
Let's set you up for financial success!
Here
Share this article...

Want tax & accounting tips and insights?

Sign up for our newsletter.

I confirm this is a service inquiry and not an advertising message or solicitation. By clicking “Submit”, I acknowledge and agree to the creation of an account and to the and .