Tax season 2025: Who doesn't file their taxes and what is the income limit?
With the 2025 tax season underway and the deadline to file the return approaching, many taxpayers in the United States are wondering if they are required to complete this procedure.
Although most U.S. citizens and people working in the country are required to file tax returns, there are some exceptions that exempt them from this obligation.
According to the TurboTax tax preparation tool , there are certain instances when you don't need to file if specific conditions are met. Generally, if your annual income is less than the standard deduction for your situation, you don't have to file unless you receive certain types of income that require you to file.
Read Also: Who will receive the $1,400 stimulus check? Here's how to check.
Who is exempt from filing a tax return in 2025?
For tax year 2025 , some people will not have to file a tax return if they meet the following requirements:
Income below the standard deduction limit : If your gross income does not exceed US$ 164,660, which is the standard deduction established for 2022 for a taxpayer, you will not be required to file.
Social Security Recipients : In most cases, people who receive only Social Security checks do not need to file a return. However, if they also receive tax-exempt income, that income could make their Social Security benefits taxable, which may require filing a return.
Limited-income dependents : If you are claimed as a dependent on someone else's return, you will only be required to file a tax return if your income exceeds the standard deduction or if you have unearned income that exceeds $1,350 in 2025.
Personal circumstances : You are not required to file if you are under 65 years of age, your marital status is single, you have no self-employment income, or other special situations.
Read Also: Where's My Refund? @www.irs.gov/wheres-my-refund
Reasons to file your return even if it is not mandatory
Even though you are exempt, the IRS recommends filing a return if you qualify for certain tax credits or a refund. Credits you may be able to claim include:
- Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- Child Tax Credit
- Education credit
- Recovery Refund Credit
Additionally, if you had income tax withheld or estimated payments made during the year, you may be eligible for a refund. For these reasons, the IRS suggests filing even if you are not legally required to do so.
If you have questions about your specific situation, it is advisable to use official tools or consult a tax advisor to ensure proper compliance with the IRS.
