Do I need to file income tax returns when I don't owe money?

Forum|Forum|1 year ago
February 16, 2025
3 replies
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Hello,

I don't have a refund or owe taxes for both Federal and State Income Tax. Do I still need to file Federal and State Income tax returns?

Thank you.

Best answer by Hal_Al

You need to file a federal tax return, if your income is over the filing requirement. For most people that is $14,600. If you are, or can be, a dependent, it may be less, depending on the source of your income. Details at:

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/check-if-you-need-to-file-a-tax-return

If you don't need to file a federal return, you do not need to file a California state return.

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/do-you-need-to-file.html

For quick links to all State Filing Requirements: https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/need-file-state-return/L446RvJAy_US_en_US?uid=m12jzvqq

igisjvb

When you say you don't owe money, do you mean that you didn't work for the tax year? If you didn't earn money at all, you likely don't have to file taxes. However, if you earned an income, you will need to file, even if you neither owe nor are due a refund.

ett9300Author

Thanks for your quick response, igisjvb. Based on your response, I need to file income tax returns.

Question: There are two different mailing addresses for IRS: one for refund and one for owing money. Since I don't get a refund nor owe money, which mailing address should I send my income tax returns to? Do I send my income returns to the address for a refund or for owing money?

Thank you.

igisjvb

I would think it depends on your state. I had a similar situation recently in Kentucky, and it had me send the info to the address where you owe. What state are you filing in?