Can I File Taxes With No Income?

Dec 27, 2023 12:00PM ● By Nikia Owens, Ph.D.

Yes, you can file taxes with no income! A common misconception prevails in the complex world of personal finance and taxation: filing a tax return is unnecessary if one's income falls below the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) threshold or if there is no income in a given year. While rooted in a logical assumption, this belief overlooks the broader implications and potential benefits of tax filing in such scenarios and can be good for a number of reasons.

1. Taxes Withheld and Filing Threshold: For individuals who had taxes withheld from their paycheck or made estimated tax payments, filing a return could lead to a refund if your earnings fall below the IRS filing threshold. Filing a tax return could place most (if not all) of the taxes withheld back into your pocket.

2. Tax Credit Eligibility: Certain tax credits are designed to support low-to-moderate income individuals and families. For instance, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a significant benefit for those with low earnings. Filing a tax return is the only way to claim these credits that can result in a refund from the IRS.

3. Benefits for Older Adults: If you are an older adult receiving social security and pay rent or property taxes you could be eligible for a rent or property tax rebate.

4. Health Insurance and Premium Tax Credits: Filing a tax return is crucial for those utilizing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace. It reconciles any Premium Tax Credit advance payments and supports eligibility for future healthcare subsidies.

5. Student Financial Aid: For students or parents applying for federal student aid, a tax return is often required to verify income, even if that income was below the filing threshold. This process can influence the amount of financial aid one receives.

Building a Financial Foundation

Beyond these tangible benefits, filing a tax return, irrespective of income level, promotes financial discipline. It encourages individuals to organize financial documents, understand their fiscal situation, and plan for the future. This practice lays the groundwork for financial literacy, an invaluable asset in navigating the complexities of personal finance.

Hence, filing taxes is a prudent financial step, even when not legally mandated. It unlocks potential benefits, ensures compliance with future financial requirements, and fosters a habit of financial responsibility.

If you are curious about the required IRS filing threshold, click here.

Please note that filing status impacts taxpayers' filing threshold differently—contact Campaign for Working Families to help you navigate these filing thresholds and assistance filing previous tax years for free.