Blog

We keep you up to date on the latest tax changes and news in the industry.

Unlock Tax Refunds: Why Filing a Return Might Be Beneficial

For many taxpayers, filing a tax return is mandatory if their income reaches certain thresholds. However, even when filing is not required, there could be substantial advantages in doing so. Numerous taxpayers who forgo filing may inadvertently pass up on lucrative tax credits and essential carryovers.

Below are the income thresholds for 2025 tax returns, filed in 2026:

2025 INDIVIDUAL INCOME TAX RETURN FILING THRESHOLDS

FILING STATUS

UNDER AGE 65

AGE 65 OR OLDER

Single

$15,750

$17,750

Head of Household

$23,625

$25,625

Married, Filing Jointly

$31,500 (if both spouses are under 65)

$33,100 (if one spouse is 65+)
$34,700 (if both are 65+)

Married, Filing Separately

$5 (any age)

$5 (any age)

Qualifying Surviving Spouse

$31,500

$33,100

Other Filing Requirements - Filing may still be necessary even if income falls below the standard limit under certain circumstances:

  • You had net earnings from self-employment of $400 or more.

  • You owe taxes such as the Alternative Minimum Tax.

  • You received advance payments of the Premium Tax Credit for health insurance.

  • Income from religious organizations exceeds $108.28.

  • Uncollected Social Security or Medicare taxes are owed.

  • Household employment taxes are due.

  • You or your spouse took a distribution from a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Image 1

Filing Requirements for Dependents - Those claimed as dependents must file under specific conditions:

  • Unearned income (interest, dividends) exceeding $1,350.

  • Earned income (e.g., wages, tips) over $15,750.

  • Gross income over the larger of $1,350 or earned income plus $450, up to the standard deduction.

Potential Benefits of Filing: Even when not obligatory, filing can prevent missing out on significant tax refunds. Here are a few key points to consider:

  • Tax Withholding – Income tax withheld from wages is entirely refundable if no return is required. This withheld amount could result in a direct refund.

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) – Geared towards assisting low- to moderate-income earners, the EITC provides substantial refunds, reaching up to $8,046 in 2025.

  • Child Tax Credit (CTC) – Offering up to $2,200 per qualifying child, with a refundable portion of $1,700 even when a return isn’t mandated.

    Image 2
  • American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) – Relieves higher education costs by offering up to $2,500 per student, with $1,000 potentially refundable.

  • Premium Tax Credit - Lowers health insurance premium costs through assessments of the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Utilizing Carryover Deductions - Some deductions need recognition in the current tax year to qualify as carryovers for future years:

  1. Net Operating Losses (NOLs): Prior business losses can be offset against current or future earnings up to 20 years.

  2. Charitable Contributions: Excess donations are valid for five years to counterbalance future income.

  3. Passive Activity Losses: Losses from rental properties carried forward to offset future passive incomes.

  4. Capital Losses: Surplus capital losses are eligible for offset in future years, even affecting ordinary income.

Other Considerations

  1. State Program Eligibility: Federal filing can impact state taxes and determine eligibility for additional benefits or programs.

  2. Financial Planning: Maintaining consistent filing records is advantageous for loans, mortgages, or financial aid endeavors.

  3. Identity Protection: Regular filings secure tax identity and prevent fraudulent misuse.

Missing out on thousands of potential refunds is a risk not worth taking. Approximately 25% of eligible recipients fail to claim the EITC annually. Reevaluate your tax standing and consider contact with a professional office for filing assistance, even for prior years' losses.

Image 3

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 accounting 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.

James T. Neilson We love to chat!
Please feel free to use our Ai chat assistant or use the contact button to contact us.
Please fill out the form and our team will get back to you shortly The form was sent successfully