Why you should consider filing taxes even if you made little money

What is the minimum income to file taxes in 2026? 

The IRS doesn’t require that every taxpayer file a tax return. Whether or not the IRS requires you to file depends on three factors: your income, your filing status, and your age (whether you are older or younger than 65).

Income thresholds for filing taxes by filing status and age for 2025

Even if you don’t meet the income requirements to file for your age and filing status, it may still be in your best interest to file a return.

Reasons to file taxes even if you’re not required to

• You may get a tax refund: If your employer withheld tax from your paychecks, the only way to get your money back from the IRS is to file a tax return.
• You may qualify for refundable tax credits: If you qualify for what’s called a refundable tax credit and owe $0 in taxes, the IRS gives the entire refundable amount to you.
• Don’t lose your refund for good: The IRS gives you a three-year window to file and claim your tax refund. If you miss this window, you could miss out on money the IRS owes you, permanently.
• Establish a record: When you file your tax return, you’re establishing a record of the income you earned. This ensures your income is factored into your Social Security and/or disability benefits. It also provides proof of income when applying for a loan or government aid.
• You may have self-employment income: Even if you don’t make enough to owe tax, you are still required to file a return if you made at least $400 in self-employment income in 2025.
• You may have tax on certain distributions: Even if you do not meet the income amounts requiring filing, you may have certain distributions that require you to file, such as early distributions from retirement plans or excess contributions to plans.
• You received subsidized medical coverage: If you have received subsidized health insurance through the ACA marketplace, you are required to file regardless of your income to reconcile advance payments.
• You may owe special taxes: Special taxes include the alternative minimum tax (AMT), household employment taxes, or even Social Security taxes not withheld on income items like tips.

Who might benefit from filing even if not required to?

• College students with part-time jobs 
• Seasonal and holiday workers 
• Part-time employees 
• Low-income earners

Do I need to file taxes this year if I only worked part time? 

If you meet the IRS’s minimum threshold to file based on your age, income, and filing status, then the IRS requires you to file a tax return, even if you only worked part time. If you do not meet the minimum threshold, you are not required to file; although, it may still be beneficial to file a return anyway for all the reasons listed above.

Can I get a tax refund if I don’t have to file? 

Yes, even if you aren’t required to file a tax return, the IRS may still owe you a tax refund. But the IRS will not just give you a refund, even if it owes you money. You must file a tax return to get a refund, and you must do so within three years of when you earned the income. If you fail to file within this timeframe, you could lose your refund for good. File with a Jackson Hewitt Tax Pro who can help you claim every dollar you’re owed.

Key ways to get a refund with low income 

There are several ways you could get a tax refund, even if you don’t make enough to meet the IRS’s income filing requirements.

Tax withholdings from your paycheck

If you worked for an employer in 2025 who withheld funds from your paycheck for federal taxes, you could get a tax refund, regardless of whether you’re required to file or not.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

The EITC is a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers, and it’s worth up to $8,046 for tax year 2025. The amount you get back with the EITC depends on your income and if you have children/how many children you have.

Child Tax Credit (CTC)

If you have qualifying children, you may qualify for the CTC. The CTC is a partially refundable tax credit that’s worth up to $2,200 per qualifying child for tax year 2025. The refundable portion of the CTC is called the Additional Child Tax Credit, and you could get up to $1,700 per qualifying child for tax year 2025.

Premium Tax Credit 

If you purchased health insurance through the ACA Marketplace and received advance subsidy payments, you must file your return to reconcile those payments. If you were entitled to more than you received, you'll get the difference back as a refund.

American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC)

If you paid college tuition or other qualifying education expenses in 2025, you may be eligible for the AOTC. The AOTC is a partially refundable tax credit worth up to $2,500 per eligible student. You could get up to $1,000 back as a refund if you qualify.

How to file taxes if you have low income 

The IRS requires that low-income filers use the same form to file as any other taxpayer. Form 1040,

U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, is the standard tax return to report your income, deductions, credits, and refund or balance due. You may need other forms as well, depending on the tax credits you claim and the type of income you’ve earned.

Taxes can be complicated, even if you have low income. Filing with a Tax Pro can help ensure you get it right and get every credit, deduction, and dollar you deserve.

Ready to file? See how much you could get back with Jackson Hewitt. 

There are so many reasons to file a tax return, even if the IRS doesn’t require you to. That’s especially true when filing in 2026, because average refunds are up, thanks to new tax laws. Don’t miss a single dollar you’re owed. Book now to file with the pros and find out how much you could get back this year.