Should I file taxes?
Lots of people with low incomes don't have to file a tax return. But many of them should anyway, because filing is the only way to get a Tax refundMoney the government pays back to you after you file, when more tax was taken out of your pay than you owed, or you get refundable credits.More in the glossary of tax taken out of your pay, and tax credits worth thousands of dollars.
Check everything that was true for you last year.
Your results
You should file. You may get money back
- Tax was taken out of your pay. Filing is the only way to get back any extra that was taken.
- You might qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)A tax credit for people who work and have low to moderate incomes. It can pay you money even if you owe no tax.More in the glossary, which can pay you money even if you owe no tax.
Missed a year? You generally have 3 years to file and claim a refund, including tax credits.
Where to get free help
- Free tax help (VITA and TCE)
IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file tax returns for free for people with low to moderate incomes, people with disabilities, people who speak limited English, and older adults. Most sites are open during tax season.
- IRS: Do I need to file?
A free IRS tool that asks a few questions and tells you whether you need to file a tax return.