Why File Your Federal Income Taxes

Working families who don't normally file a return, as eligible parents of qualifying children or adoption or foster care may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit, Students just entering the workforce or who may have only worked part time, even individuals experiencing homelessness can use the address of a friend, relative or trusted service provider, There may have been an “overpayment” of federal income taxes taken from employer issued pay checks Other Credits for individuals such as Child & Dependent Credit and the Premium Tax Credit You may qualify for the Earned IncomeTax Credit (EITC) and may be owed a refund when they file. 

Beware Of the Self Employment Tax Credit 

The Internal Revenue Service issued a consumer alert following bad advice circulatingon social media about a non-existent “Self Employment Tax Credit” that’s misleading taxpayers into filing false claims. There is inaccurate information suggesting people qualify for payments of up to $32,000 when they actually do not. In reality, the underlying credit being referred to as the “Self Employment Tax Credit it’s a much more limited and technical credit called Credits for Sick Leave and Family Leave. The IRS is seeing repeated instances where taxpayers are incorrectly using Form 7202 to claim a credit based on income earned as an employee and not as a self-employed individual. The IRS urges people to check with a trusted tax professional before filing for any “Self Employment Tax Credit” or any other questionable tax claim circulating on social media. 

Federal Filing Requirements 

Generally, taxpayers with gross income less than $12,950 for single filers, and $25,900 for married filing jointly, are not required to file. However, low-income individuals may mistakenly assume that since they do not owe no tax, they're not entitled to a refund. When the fact is, they may get money back if they file a tax return. In fact, you may get money back if they file a tax return. Working families who don't normally file a return and students just entering the workforce or who may have only worked part time may benefit from filing their income tax returns. Even individuals experiencing homelessness can use the address of a friend, or relative to file their income tax returns.  

The tax deadline for 2025 tax returns is April 15, 2026. You may have more time to file if you were affected by a federally-declared disaster or you are living out of the country on the due date. Find your deadlines if you file on a fiscal year. Find help if you need more time to file or pay Use the Interactive Tax Assistant (ITA) https://www.irs.gov/help/ita 

Here are a few Free File Options  

• Free File - If your adjusted gross income is $84,000 or less. If higher, you can use Free File Fillable Forms. 
• Direct File - Prepare and file your taxes online – for free – directly with the IRS. 
• Free tax services for military and veterans 
• IRS-certified volunteers – If you earn $67,000 or less, have a disability, are 60 years or older or 

Taxpayers are legally responsible for what’s on their tax return even if it is prepared by someone else. So, it is important to choose carefully when hiring an individual or firm to prepare your return. Most return preparers are professional, honest and provide excellent service to their clients. The Internal Revenue Service encourages everyone to consider taking advantage of the speed and convenience of IRS Free Providers If you are feeling confident that you can navigate the prep and file process go for it. However if you are still feeling a little overwhelmed, fear not we are here to help. Gather your documents and let us help you… Do It The Right Way