Introduction: Are You Required to File Taxes?
If you earned below the minimum income threshold in 2024, you might be wondering: Do I still need to file taxes?
The IRS sets income limits for who is required to file a tax return each year. However, even if you’re not legally required to file, you may still want to—especially if you qualify for tax credits, refunds, or other benefits.
This guide will help you determine whether you need to file taxes in 2025, and when it makes sense to file even if you aren’t required to.
1. Minimum Income to File Taxes in 2025
The IRS requires you to file a tax return if your gross income exceeds a certain amount. Here are the 2025 minimum income filing thresholds based on filing status and age:
| Filing Status | Under 65 | 65 or Older |
|---|---|---|
| Single | $13,850 | $15,700 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $27,700 | $29,350 (if one spouse is 65+), $30,900 (if both spouses are 65+) |
| Married Filing Separately | $5 (yes, just $5!) | $5 |
| Head of Household | $20,800 | $22,650 |
| Qualifying Widow(er) | $27,700 | $29,350 |
💡 Tip: Even if you earn below these limits, certain factors may still require you to file.
2. Situations Where You Must File a Tax Return (Even Below the Minimum Income)
Even if your income is below the IRS threshold, you must file a tax return if:
✔ You received 1099 income (freelancers, gig workers, side hustlers) over $400 (self-employment tax applies).
✔ You received Advanced Premium Tax Credits (healthcare marketplace subsidies).
✔ You owe Social Security or Medicare taxes (even if your employer didn’t withhold them).
✔ You owe special taxes (such as penalties on early IRA withdrawals).
✔ You received tips not reported to your employer (over $20 per month).
✔ You had marketplace health insurance and received subsidies.
✔ You sold stocks, crypto, or real estate (capital gains tax may apply).
💡 Tip: If you are self-employed and earned more than $400, you must file a return and pay self-employment tax.
3. When You Should File Even If You’re Not Required
Sometimes, filing taxes is beneficial even if you’re not legally required. Here’s why:
✅ 1. You Might Qualify for a Refund
- If you had federal taxes withheld from your paycheck, you may be entitled to a refund, even if you earned below the filing threshold.
- Example: You worked part-time and made $8,000, but your employer withheld taxes—you could get that money back!
✅ 2. You May Qualify for Tax Credits
Even with low income, you might be eligible for valuable tax credits, including:
✔ Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Worth up to $7,430 if you worked and earned below a certain amount.
✔ Child Tax Credit (CTC): Up to $2,000 per child (partially refundable).
✔ American Opportunity Credit: Up to $2,500 for college students.
💡 Tip: Many tax credits are refundable, meaning you can get money back even if you owe zero taxes.
✅ 3. You Want to Start a Paper Trail for Future Loans
- Filing taxes regularly helps when applying for credit cards, car loans, mortgages, and financial aid.
- Some banks and lenders require proof of income from tax returns.
✅ 4. To Protect Against IRS Fraud
- If someone else files a return using your Social Security Number, it could lead to identity theft.
- Filing a return—even with $0 taxable income—prevents fraud and protects your SSN.
4. Special Filing Rules for Dependents
🚨 If someone claims you as a dependent, your filing threshold is different!
✔ Dependents must file if they earned:
- More than $13,850 in wages.
- More than $1,250 in unearned income (interest, dividends).
💡 Tip: If you’re a dependent with a part-time job, filing taxes could get you a refund for any withheld income.
5. How to File Your Taxes for Free If You Earn Below the Minimum
If you qualify for a refund or tax credit, file for free using:
✔ IRS Free File (For AGI below $79,000).
✔ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) (For incomes under $64,000).
✔ Cash App Taxes, FreeTaxUSA, or H&R Block Free Edition (Great for simple returns).
💡 Tip: Filing online is faster, safer, and free—most refunds are issued within 21 days via direct deposit.
6. What Happens If You Don’t File When Required?
🚨 If you’re required to file and don’t, you could face:
✔ Late filing penalties (5% per month on unpaid taxes).
✔ Interest charges on owed taxes.
✔ IRS audits or tax liens if income was misreported.
💡 Tip: If you missed past years’ filings, file as soon as possible to reduce penalties.
7. Can You File Taxes Even If You Have Zero Income?
Yes! If you didn’t earn money but want to:
✔ Claim tax credits (like the Earned Income Tax Credit if you had part-time work).
✔ Start a tax history for loans or benefits.
✔ Protect your Social Security Number from fraud.
💡 Tip: If you had no income at all, the IRS won’t penalize you for not filing—but it might still be worth it for credits.
Conclusion: Should You File Taxes If You Earned Below the Minimum?
📌 You must file if:
✔ You earned self-employment income over $400.
✔ You had Marketplace health insurance subsidies.
✔ You had stock, crypto, or real estate sales.
✔ You received unemployment benefits.
📌 You should file if:
✔ You had federal taxes withheld and want a refund.
✔ You qualify for refundable tax credits (EITC, Child Tax Credit).
✔ You need a paper trail for loans or benefits.
📌 Need help filing? Contact First Union Tax for free tax filing options and expert guidance!
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