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Maximize Benefits by Filing Even When Not Obligated

For many individuals, the obligation to file a tax return is dictated by whether their income surpasses the standard deduction for their specific filing status. However, even if you don’t meet these income thresholds, voluntarily filing a return can unveil significant financial benefits, from refundable tax credits to advantageous carryovers.

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To provide clarity, here are the income thresholds requiring a tax return for the 2025 tax year, 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 (both under 65)

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

Married, Filing Separately

$5 (any age)

$5 (any age)

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

$31,500

$33,100

Additional Filing Requirements - You might be required to file even if you fall below the standard threshold if:

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

  • You owe special taxes like the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • You received advance payments on the Premium Tax Credit.

  • You received income from a church of $108.28 or more.

  • You owe uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes.

  • You owe household employment taxes.

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

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Dependents' Filing Mandates - If counted as a dependent, different rules apply, requiring filing if:

  • Unearned income exceeds $1,350.

  • Earned income exceeds $15,750.

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

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Overlooked Benefits of Filing: Even without an obligation to file, significant sums might be left unclaimed. Consider:

  • Tax Withholding – Wages often come with federal tax withholdings. If you aren't required to file, this withheld tax is refundable. Refundable credits can turn a zero-tax liability into a financial boon, making voluntary filing advantageous.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Designed for low to moderate-income workers, the EITC can yield refunds up to $8,046 in 2025. Eligibility hinges on income, filing status, and number of dependents, with the credit fully refundable.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) – With a value of $2,200 per qualifying child (up to $1,700 refundable), this credit benefits all non-filing-required taxpayers. Similarly, the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) offers up to $2,500 per student with education expenses, up to 40% of which is refundable, facilitating refunds even if no taxes are owed.

  • Premium Tax Credit - This offsets the cost of marketplace health insurance, ensuring affordable premiums.

Leveraging Carryover Deductions - While filing isn't necessary, certain deductions must be utilized before being carried forward to optimize future tax liabilities. These include:

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

  2. Charitable Contributions: Donations that exceed annual limits can be offset against future income over five years.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Relating to rentals or passive ventures, these can reduce future passive income.

  4. Capital Losses: Losses can offset future capital gains or ordinary income.

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Additional Considerations

  1. State Program Eligibility: Federal filing can impact state taxes and program qualifications.

  2. Financial Planning: A consistent filing history aids in securing loans and financial assistance.

  3. Identity Security: Filed returns protect against fraudulent tax claims.

By not filing, individuals risk missing out on substantial refunds. The IRS notes nearly 25% of eligible EITC recipients don't claim this credit. Prioritizing filing, even when not obliged, ensures no potential benefit is overlooked. If you're uncertain about the need to file or wish to explore available refunds from previous years, reach out to us for expert guidance and tax preparation assistance.

Get More From Your Tax Advisor
Compliance is just the start. We help clients nationwide with tax planning, IRS resolution, and long-term tax-first wealth building. Let's see what we can do for you.
Schedule Now
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Securities offered through PFS Investments Inc., member FINRA & SIPC. Investment advisory services may be offered through PFS Investments Inc. or, where applicable, through a separately registered investment adviser. Paul D. Diaz is an IRS Enrolled Agent & IRS Certifying Acceptance Agent and provides ITIN/W-7, tax preparation, tax resolution, and tax advisory services through THE TAX CUTTERY®, an independent firm. Tax services are not offered through PFS Investments Inc. or its affiliates and are solely the responsibility of THE TAX CUTTERY®. This message is not intended as an offer or solicitation in any jurisdiction where such offer or solicitation would be unauthorized. All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Paul D. Diaz, EA, MBA, has unlimited representation rights before the Internal Revenue Service.