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

Maximize Your Tax Benefits: Filing When Not Required

Individual taxpayers usually need to file a tax return if their annual income surpasses the standard deduction for their tax bracket. However, even if you aren’t obligated to file, doing so might unlock numerous financial opportunities. By filing, you might access significant refundable tax credits and sustain carryovers of tax advantages.

Image 1

The following outlines the income thresholds for tax return filing for 2025, to be filed in 2026:

2025 INDIVIDUAL TAX 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

Other Filing Requirements - Even if your income does not meet the standard threshold, there might be situations obliging you to file a federal return if:

  • You earned $400 or more from self-employment.
  • Special taxes like the Alternative Minimum Tax are owed.
  • Advanced payments of the Premium Tax Credit were received for insurance from a marketplace.
  • Income was obtained from a religious organization exceeding $108.28.
  • You have uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes.
  • Household employment taxes are owed.
  • You (or your spouse) had a Health Savings Account (HSA) distribution.

Filing Requirements for Dependents - Dependents must file if they have:

  • Unearned income over $1,350.
  • Earned income exceeding $15,750.
  • Gross income above the larger of $1,350 or earned income plus $450 (up to the standard deduction).
Image 2

Benefits You May Miss by Not Filing: It’s possible to overlook substantial sums if you don’t file a return despite not being required to. Key examples include:

  • Tax Withholding - Many individuals with a wage income have federal taxes withheld that could be 100% refundable if filing isn’t required.
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - Designed for low to moderate-income workers, this credit can provide significant refunds, up to $8,046 in 2025. It's fully refundable, allowing eligible individuals to receive the complete credit amount even without a tax obligation.
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) – This credit, up to $2,200 per child, phases out for higher incomes but remains accessible for non-filing taxpayers. The refundable credit is capped at $1,700.
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) - Offering a credit up to $2,500 for higher education expenses per eligible student, up to 40% of the AOTC is refundable, potentially resulting in a $1,000 refund.
  • Premium Tax Credit - Aids in making health insurance affordable, reducing the cost for those purchasing through a marketplace.

Utilizing Carryover Deductions - Even with minimal income, using certain carryforward deductions can lower future tax liabilities or boost future refunds:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs) - Business losses from past years can generate NOLs to be carried forward up to 20 years.
  2. Charitable Contributions - Donations exceeding the limit might be carried forward for five years—filing prevents wasted contributions, allowing offsets in more profitable years.
  3. Passive Activity Losses - Losses from rentals or passive activities could offset future passive income.
  4. Capital Losses - Excess capital losses can be carried over to offset future capital gains or ordinary income.
Image 3

Other Considerations:

  1. State Program Eligibility - Federal filing might influence state taxes and eligibility for state programs.
  2. Future Financial Planning – Consistent tax filings support financial endeavors like securing loans or mortgages.
  3. Identity Protection – Filed returns protect against fraudulent tax claims under your name.

Even when not mandatory, filing a tax return could yield refunds amounting to thousands of dollars. The IRS notes about 25% of those eligible for the EITC don’t claim it. To ensure you claim rightful refunds and credits, consult with us on determining if you qualify for beneficial filings. If missed filings from previous years exist, possible refunds from those years might still be claimed.

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 .