Do you have to file taxes if you don't work?

Answer 1

You must file a federal income tax return if your income is above a certain level; which varies depending on your filing status, age and the type of income you receive.

• However, there is no such thing as start and stop ages. Also, there is no such thing as not having to file because you are retired or on social security. Many people who don't work have income from other things. It is all a matter of how much income is being obtained.
• You must file a tax return if you had net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more. This is your total self-employment income less the expenses paid in operating your trade or business, multiplied by 92.35%.
• If you are an individual who may be claimed as a dependent on another person's return, you are subject to specific filing requirements. Refer to the instructions in your tax package or refer to Publication 929, Tax Rules for Children and Dependents, or Publication 501, Exemptions, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information, for the filing requirements for dependents.

You must file a tax return if you received any amount of advance earned income credit payments from your employer during the year, or if you owe any taxes, such as:

• Social Security tax and Medicare tax on tips or group life insurance,
• Alternative minimum tax,
• Tax on qualified retirement plans including an Individual Retirement Account, or other tax-favored account,
• Tax from recapture of an education credit, investment credit, low income housing credit, federal mortgage subsidy, qualified electric vehicle credit, or the native American employment credit.

Special filing requirements may apply to U.S. citizens who are residents of Puerto Rico or who have income from U.S. possessions. Refer to Publication 570 for additional information. Residents of Puerto Rico should select Topic 901.

Generally, you must file a tax return if you are a nonresident alien with income from sources in the United States. For more information on nonresident aliens, select Topic 851.

Even if you are not required to file a tax return, file a return if you are due a refund, because tax was withheld from any earnings..... and because many, low income people have many benefits coming.

Even if you do not have to file, you should file to get money back if Federal Income Tax was withheld from your pay,which if you were an employee most certainly happened or you qualify for any of the following:

• Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit is a federal income tax credit for eligible low-income workers. The credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund.
• Additional Child Tax Credit. This credit may be available to you if you have three or more qualifying children or if you have one or two qualifying children and earned income that exceeds $11,300. The Additional Child Tax Credit may give you a refund even if you do not owe any tax.
• Health Coverage Tax Credit. Limited to certain individuals who are receiving certain Trade Adjustment Assistance, Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance, or pension benefit payments from the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.

For more information, please refer to the related link.