Do I Have to File a Tax Return?

Article Highlights:

  • When You Are Required to File
  • Self-Employed Taxpayers
  • Filing Thresholds
  • Benefits of Filing Even When Not Required to File
  • Refundable Tax Credits
This is a question many taxpayers ask during this time of year, and the question is far more complicated than people believe. To fully understand, we need to consider that there are times when individuals are REQUIRED to file a tax return, and then there are times when it is to the individuals’ BENEFIT to file a return even if they are not required to file.

When individuals are required to file:
  • Generally, individuals are required to file a return if their income exceeds their filing threshold, as shown in the table below. The filing thresholds generally are the same amount as the standard deduction for individual(s).

  • Taxpayers are required to file if they have net self-employment income in excess of $400, since they are required to file self-employment taxes (the equivalent to payroll taxes for an employee) when their net self-employment income exceeds $400.

  • Taxpayers are also required to file when they are required to repay a credit or benefit. For example, taxpayers who underestimated their income when signing up for health insurance through a government Marketplace and received a higher advance premium tax credit (APTC) than they were entitled to, are required to repay part of it. Therefore, all individuals who received an APTC must file a return to reconcile the advance payments with the actual credit amount, even if their income is less than the filing threshold amount and even if they don’t need to repay any of the advance credit.

  • Filing is also required when a taxpayer owes a penalty, even though the taxpayer’s income is below the filing threshold. This can occur, for example, when a taxpayer has an IRA 6% early withdrawal penalty or the 50% penalty for not taking a required IRA distribution.
2019 – Filing Thresholds

Filing Status Age Threshold
Single Under Age 65
Age 65 or Older
$12,200
$13,850
Married Filing Jointly Both Spouses Under 65      
One Spouse 65 or Older    
Both Spouses 65 or Older        
$24,400
$25,700
$27,000
Married Filing Separate Any Age $5
Head of Household Under 65
65 or Older
$18,350
$20,000
Qualifying Widow(er)
with Dependent Child
Under 65
65 or Older
$24,400
$25,700

When it is beneficial for individuals to file:
There are a number of benefits available when filing a tax return that can produce refunds even for a taxpayer who is not required to file:
  • Withholding refund – A substantial number of taxpayers fail to file their return even when the tax they owe is less than their prepayments, such as payroll withholding, estimates, or a prior overpayment. The only way to recover the excess is to file a return.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – If you worked and did not make a lot of money, you may qualify for the EITC. The EITC is a refundable tax credit, which means you could qualify for a tax refund. The refund could be as high as several thousand dollars even when you are not required to file.

  • Child Tax Credit – This is a $2,000 credit for each qualifying child, a portion of which may be refundable for lower income taxpayers, and phases out for higher income taxpayers.

  • American Opportunity Credit – The maximum for this credit for college tuition paid per student is $2,500, and the first four years of postsecondary education qualify. Up to 40% of the credit is refundable when you have no tax liability, even if you are not required to file.

  • Premium Tax Credit – Lower-income families are entitled to a refundable tax credit to supplement the cost of health insurance purchased through a government Marketplace. To the extent the credit is greater than the supplement provided by the Marketplace, it is refundable even if there is no other reason to file.
DON’T PROCRASTINATE! There is a three-year statute of limitations on refunds, and after it runs out, any refund due is forfeited. The statute is three years from the due date of the tax return. So, the refund period expires for 2019 returns, which were due in April of 2020, on April 15, 2023.

For more information about filing requirements and your eligibility to receive tax credits, please contact this office.

Share this article...

Sign up for our newsletter.

Each month, we will send you a roundup of our latest blog content covering the tax and bookkeeping tips & insights you need to know.

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 .

We care about the protection of your data.

Junglebooks Affiliate Program

Why Partner with Us?

With years of experience and a team of certified professionals, we deliver exceptional results to our clients.

Industry-Leading Expertise

Our firm is a leader in the accounting industry, providing comprehensive services that include tax preparation, bookkeeping, financial planning, and business consulting. With years of experience and a team of certified professionals, we deliver exceptional results to our clients.

Attractive Commissions

We value our affiliates and offer competitive commission rates for every client you refer who signs up for our services. The more clients you refer, the more you earn.

Comprehensive Support

We provide our affiliates with all the resources needed to succeed, including marketing materials, dedicated support, and regular updates on our services. You’ll have everything you need to effectively promote our firm and earn commissions.

Trusted Reputation

Our firm has built a solid reputation for excellence and trustworthiness. When you refer clients to us, you can be confident that they will receive the highest level of service and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

This firm prepares tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, estates, trusts, and any entities with tax-reporting requirements. Our firm’s seasoned professionals are experts in all areas of taxation including:


  • Individual Returns
  • Payroll Tax Issues
  • Business Returns
  • Sales Tax Returns
  • Rental Income Returns
  • Business Consultation
  • Expatriate Returns
  • Fiduciary & Estate Returns
  • Corporation Returns
  • Bookkeeping
  • Partnership Returns
  • LLC Returns

Our firm offers a full range of planning services including, but not limited to:


  • Individual Tax Planning
  • Business Tax Planning
  • Business Organization
  • Rental Properties
  • Foreclosures and Repossessions
  • Retirement
  • Investments
  • Sales and Exchanges
  • Pension Plans
  • Education Planning
  • Finance & Refinance Planning
  • Home Purchase and Sale Planning
We are here for you twelve months a year, not just during tax season. Whether you have a simple tax question, need advice on the tax implications of a business decision, or want clarification on a government notice, feel free to give us a call.
We maintain a policy of the strictest confidence concerning our clients’ affairs. You can rest assured that no one will learn about your business or tax status – even relatives, associates or friends who might have referred you to us.