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Even if You’re Not Required to File a Tax Return, You May Be Missing Out if You Don’t.
Article Highlights:
Tax Filing Thresholds
Withholding
2021 Recovery Rebate Credit
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Child Tax Credit or Credit for Other Dependents
Education Credits
Some people may choose not to file a tax return because they didn't earn enough money to be required to file, but these folks may miss out getting a refund if they don’t file. Although there are some exceptions, generally individuals are not required to file a tax return if their income for the year is below the filing threshold for their filing status as shown in the following table.
2021 TAX FILING THRESHOLDS FOR MOST INDIVIDUALS | ||
|---|---|---|
Filing Status | Age at the end of 2021 | Gross Income Filing Threshold |
Single | Under 65 | $12,550 |
65 or older | $14,250 | |
Head of Household | Under 65 | $18,800 |
65 or older | $20,500 | |
Married Filing Jointly | Under 65 (both spouses) | 25,100 |
65 or older (one spouse) | $26,450 | |
65 or older (both spouses) | $27,800 | |
Married Filing Separate | Any Age | $5 |
Qualifying Widow(er) | Under 65 | $25,100 |
65 or older | $26,450 | |
Many social benefits provided by the government for lower income individuals are distributed through the tax return, often in the form of a tax credit, and a return must be filed to claim those benefits, many of which can be substantial. Some of these credits are partially or fully refundable even if an individual has no tax liability. So, even though you might not be required to file a return you may be missing out on a tax refund if you don’t file one. Here are some examples:
Withholding – If you are not required to file a tax return but had income taxes withheld from your W-2 wages, Social Security benefits, retirement income, or investment income, or you made estimated tax payments, you are entitled to have that withholding or estimate payments refunded. However, you must file a tax return to recover the withholding or tax payments.
2021 Recovery Rebate Credit – Individuals who didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or got less than the full amount, may be eligible to claim the 2021 recovery rebate credit . However, a 2021 return will need to be filed, even if not otherwise required to file a tax return. The credit will reduce any tax owed for 2021 or be included in the tax refund.
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) - A working individual who earned $57,414 or less in 2021 can receive the EITC as a tax refund. For 2021 the amount of the earned income credit ranges from $1,502 to $6,728 depending on your filing status and how many, if any, children you claim on your tax return. Those who did not file a return for tax year 2020 or 2021 or who did not claim the earned income tax credit on their 2020 or 2021 return because they had no earned income in those years may file an original or amended return to claim the credit using their 2019 earned income if they are otherwise eligible to do so.
Child Tax Credit Or Credit For Other Dependents – individuals can claim the child tax credit for 2021 if they have a qualifying child under the age of 18 and meet other qualifications. Other taxpayers may be eligible for the credit for other dependents. This includes people who have:
Dependents who are age 18 or older.
Dependents who have individual taxpayer identification numbers instead of a Social Security number.
Dependent parents or other qualifying relatives whom the taxpayer supports.
Dependents living with the taxpayer who aren't related to the taxpayer.
Education Credits – There are two higher education credits that can reduce the amount of tax someone owes on their tax return. One is the American opportunity tax credit and the other is the lifetime learning credit. The taxpayer, their spouse or their dependent must have been a student enrolled at least half time for one academic period and have paid college or university education expenses to qualify. The taxpayer may qualify for one of these credits even if they don't owe any taxes.
If you are not required to file, and didn’t, you can contact this office to determine if any benefit can be gained by filing a 2021 tax return. Even if you are required to file and didn’t, this office can help you meet your filing requirements and take advantage of the many benefits available.
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Offices in Flemington, NJ and Califon, NJ
Our Mission: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we are on a mission to redefine the tax experience for individuals and small businesses. With a focus on personalized service, strategic planning, and expert guidance, we aim to empower our clients to succeed financially with confidence and ease.
Expertise in Action: With a wealth of experience and a team of dedicated professionals, we specialize in individual and small business tax preparation. While we excel in all areas of taxation, our passion lies in serving the unique needs of small business owners in New Jersey. We understand that small business taxation requires specialized knowledge and attention to detail, which is why we go above and beyond to ensure our clients receive the guidance and support they deserve.
Tailored Solutions for Every Client: Whether you're a high-net-worth individual seeking comprehensive tax planning or a small business owner in need of accounting and bookkeeping assistance, we have the expertise to meet your needs. Our team takes the time to understand your specific situation and develop customized solutions that align with your goals and objectives.
Why Choose Us?: What sets us apart from other New Jersey tax firms is our commitment to excellence and innovation in the field of taxation. We don't just prepare tax returns; we provide strategic insights, proactive planning, and actionable advice to help our clients achieve their financial goals. With a team of two CPAs, an EA, and an ERO, we have the expertise and resources to deliver exceptional service and results.
Your Success is Our Priority: At Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group), we measure our success by the success of our clients. We are dedicated to building long-lasting relationships, providing unparalleled service, and helping our clients thrive in today's ever-changing tax landscape.
We can't wait for you to experience the Prestige Accounting Services Group (previously Prestige Wealth Accounting Group) difference.
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