Should I File a Tax Return?
Most people file a tax return because they have to. Even if a taxpayer doesn’t have to file, there are times they should. They may be eligible for a tax refund and not know it.
Here are five tips on whether to file a tax return:
- General Filing Rules. In most cases, income, filing status and age determine if a taxpayer must file a tax return. Other rules may apply if the taxpayer is self-employed or a dependent of another person. For example, if a taxpayer is single and under age 65, they must file if their income was at least $10,350 (for 2016). There are other instances when a taxpayer must file. Contact one of the professionals at Fox Peterson for more information.
- Tax Withheld or Paid. Did the taxpayer’s employer withhold federal income tax from their pay? Did the taxpayer make estimated tax payments? Did they overpay last year and have it applied to this year’s tax? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, they could be due a refund. They have to file a tax return to get it.
- Earned Income Tax Credit. A taxpayer who worked and earned less than $53,505 last year could receive the EITC as a tax refund. They must qualify and may do so with or without a qualifying child. They may be eligible for up to $6,269. The professionals at Fox Peterson can help determine eligibility, or the IRS’ 2016 EITC Assistant tool on IRS.gov can also help. Taxpayers need to file a tax return to claim the EITC.
- Additional Child Tax Credit. Did the taxpayer have at least one child that qualifies for the Child Tax Credit? If they do not qualify for the full credit amount, they may be eligible for the Additional Child Tax Credit. Beginning in January 2017, by law, the IRS must hold refunds for any tax return claiming either the EITC or the Additional Child Tax Credit until Feb. 15. This means the entire refund, not just the part related to either credit.
- American Opportunity Tax Credit. To claim the AOTC, the taxpayer, their spouse or their dependent must have been
a student enrolled at least half time for one academic period to qualify. The credit is available for four years of post-secondary education. It can be worth up to $2,500 per eligible student. Even if the taxpayer doesn’t owe any taxes, they may still qualify. Complete Form 8863, Education Credits, and file it with the tax return. Learn more by visiting the Education Credits web page.
The professionals at Fox Peterson can help with questions on any of these points. Information from IRS Tax Tip 2017-02 was used in this blog post.
