Tax Filing Requirements

Most U.S. citizens and permanent residents are required to file taxes if they make more than a certain amount in a year. If you do not file a return, you may have to pay a penalty, and if you willingly do not file a return, you may be subject to more fines and possible criminal prosecution.

Self-employed individuals must file on annual return and make quarterly tax payments if their self-employment earnings exceed $400. Dependents may need to file a tax return based on their gross income, which includes earned income (salaries, wages, tips, fees for work) and unearned income (investment returns like interest, dividends, capital gains, rents, royalties). If dependents can’t file for themselves, their parent or guardian should file on their behalf.

Potential Benefits to Filing a Tax Return

Refund Potential: Filing a tax return may result in a refund, especially if an employer withheld taxes from a paycheck.

Avoiding Penalties: Timely and accurate tax filing helps taxpayers avoid interest and penalties, even if they can’t pay immediately. Requesting an extension is an option.

Financial Aid Access: For students seeking financial aid, providing tax information is crucial. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool simplifies this process by securely transferring data from tax returns to FAFSA forms.

Social Security Calculation: Self-employed taxpayers benefit by reporting income on tax returns, as this data is used to calculate Social Security benefits. Failure to report income can lead to inaccurate benefit calculations.

Accurate Financial Picture: Reporting all income in a tax return provides lenders with an accurate financial overview. This information helps determine loan amounts and interest rates.

Peace of Mind: Filing an accurate and timely tax return ensures compliance with the law, giving taxpayers peace of mind.