Reconsidering Filing: Tax Returns and Hidden Benefits You Could Be Missing

In the realm of personal finance and taxation, it is generally understood that individuals must file a tax return when their income surpasses a certain threshold. However, even those not mandated to file might find it in their best interest to do so, as considerable advantages await those who uncover them. These could include generous refundable tax credits or potential carryovers that benefit future tax filings.

For the 2025 tax year (filed in 2026), the following overview outlines the income thresholds that necessitate filing a tax return:

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 - Even if your income falls below the standard threshold, a federal return might still be mandatory if certain circumstances apply:

  • You reported net earnings of $400 or more from self-employment.

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

  • Receipt of advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit for insurance acquired through a marketplace was reported.

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

  • Uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes are due.

  • Household employment taxes are liable.

  • Distributions from a Health Savings Account (HSA) were taken by you or your spouse.

Dependent Filing Requirements - If you are a dependent on someone else’s tax return, your obligation to file depends on:

  • Unearned income exceeding $1,350.

  • Earned income greater than $15,750.

  • Gross income exceeding either $1,350 or earned income plus $450, within standard deduction parameters.

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Opportunities Left Unclaimed by Not Filing: Electing not to file when not required could mean forfeiting significant refunds. Consider these scenarios:

  • Tax Withholding – Wages typically involve federal tax withholding, refundable entirely if not mandated to file. Similarly, some credits surpass tax owed and thus qualify for refunding. If not required to file, you might still receive credits by filing.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Tailored for workers with lower income, this refundable credit supports low-to-moderate earners, offering up to $8,046 in 2025. It depends on factors such as income, filing status, and dependents.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) and American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – CTC provides $2,200 per minor, partially refundable to $1,700, while AOTC grants up to $2,500 per student with education costs, 40% refundable.

  • Premium Tax Credit – This assists in lowering premiums for health insurance acquired through Marketplaces.

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Utilizing Carryover Deductions – Even with minimal income currently, deductions needing current-year utilization before future applicability can considerably modify financial outcomes. These include but are not limited to:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Business losses from earlier years can extend up to 20 years as carryforwards.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Surpassing annual giving limits allow five-year carryforwards, ensuring impactful use for subsequent tax deduction opportunities.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Derived from rentals or similar activities, these losses may counterbalance future earnings.

  4. Capital Losses: Surpluses beyond capital gains may offset subsequent year's ordinary income or gains.

Further Considerations

  1. Eligibility for State-based Programs: Federal filings potentially influence state tax matters and eligibility for benefits associated with state programs.

  2. Long-term Financial Strategies: Regular returns can facilitate future financial transactions like loans or scholarships.

  3. Guarding Against Identity Theft: Filing discourages illicit claims with your identity.

Even without filing obligations, a substantial refund possibility exists. The IRS indicates approximately 25% of eligible EITC recipients overlook it. Consulting experts like MJ Ahmed CPA PLLC for guidance on potential benefits by filing is advisable. Unfiled returns from earlier years may also result in considerable refunds.

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