File Your Taxes

You are required to file taxes if you made at least $$15,750 as a single filer or $$31,500 if you are married filing jointly. If you were self-employed the minimum income required to file is lower at $400 from the year. More information on minimum income for tax filing can be found here. You might not be required to file a tax return in some cases, but it could be beneficial to file one anyway. Here are some situations where that could be the case:

• You Can Claim Tax Credits: Tax credits are particularly valuable for low-income taxpayers because they can provide a refund beyond what you paid for the year via withholding or estimated tax payments. Some examples of credits include
  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a tax credit for lower-income working people.  The income limits change each year and depend on your filing status and how many dependents you can claim. You can’t claim the credit if you have more than $10,000 of investment income.
  • Child Tax Credit (CTC). The CTC is designed to help low- and moderate-income families offset the cost of raising kids.
  • Child and Dependent Care Credit (CDCC). The CDCC is for working individuals who pay for the care of a qualifying dependent so they can work or look for work. It’s a nonrefundable credit, meaning it can lower your tax bill but won’t result in a refund if it exceeds your taxes owed.   
• You Can Claim Deductions: Deductions are expenses that reduce your taxable income, reducing your tax obligation. Some common deductions are here.  

The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years.VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including, People who generally make $67,000 or less; Persons with disabilities; and Limited English-speaking taxpayers.

The IRC is offering virtual or in-person tax preparation services in the following cities: Boise ID, Dallas TX, New York City NY, Charlottesville VA, Spokane WA, San Diego CA or Salt Lake City UT. To make an appointment at one of these offices register here.   

To find another VITA tax preparation site near you, search for locations here or you can work with a virtual tax preparer at https://myfreetaxes.com/. 

In order to prepare your tax return, you will need the following items:

• Proof of Identification with photo (driver’s license, state-issued identification card, employment authorization, etc.)
• Social Security Card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN): Cards are needed for the taxpayer, your spouse if filing a joint return, and any eligible dependents you are claiming on your tax return
• All income documents you receive: This includes Form W-2s, 1099MISC’s, 1099R’s, 1099INT’s or any other income documentation you receive

• All tax documents associated with any deductions or credits that you are electing to claim on your tax return. Could include: property tax statements, medical expenses, mortgage interest statements, student loan interest statements, tuition payment statements, and/or IRS-issued statements.
• Copy of last year’s tax return if available
• Proof of account for direct deposit of refund (Deposit slip cannot be used)
• Total paid to daycare provider and their tax ID number
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and or dependents on the return

• Proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN
• Forms 1095-A, B or C (Affordable Health Care Statements)
• If filing a joint return, you will need all the documents above for your spouse/partner