By virtue of having low or no income, or having certain deductions or circumstances, some US citizens do not need to file tax returns for 2009. There are a few simple steps to see whether or not this applies to any one individual.
Did You Pay Income Taxes in 2009?
Some people do not need to complete tax returns because they do not meet the individual income requirements. However, if Federal taxes were withheld from regular paychecks in 2009 and the individual does not meet those minimum requirements, then he or she is due a tax refund and should complete a tax return for 2009.
To determine whether an individual has paid taxes in 2009, check the 2009 W-2 received from an employer. If there is a dollar amount in box number two, then Yes, income taxes were paid to the IRS in 2009, and a tax return should be filed for a refund.
Do Any Of The Following Apply?
- Eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit? (This is a tax credit available for people with low to moderate incomes. The IRS offers a wizard with simple questions to determine eligibility.)
- Did self-employment earnings exceed $400 in 2009?
- Was there a sale of a home or an investment property completed in 2009?
- Was there an early distribution from a qualified retirement plan, which might include taxes owed (including an IRA, 401K or health care savings account)?
- Were there any tips earned not included on a W-2 from the employer?
- Subject to Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)? (This is a special tax for people with certain deductions. The AMT Worksheet is available online to determine eligibility)
- Are you a church employee with income in wages of $100 or more?
If the answer is "Yes" to any of the above questions, then a 2009 Federal Tax Return should be filed.
If the answer is "No" to all of these questions, then there are just a few more questions to consider before knowing with complete certainty that a 2009 Federal Tax return does not need to be filed.
Gather Required Information
There is a detailed tutorial available on the IRS website that answers simple Yes/No questions and leads users to the appropriate answers. However, there are a couple of facts users should have available before using the tool.
The facts and information to have at hand includes:
- Can anyone else claim the individual as a dependent in 2009?
- Will the individual be filing Single, Head of Household, Married Filing Jointly or Separately, or as a Widow(er) with a child?
- What is the dollar amount of 2009 Unearned income (this includes taxable interest or dividends reported on forms 1098)?
- What is the dollar amount of Earned income (wages, tips, educational grants, etc.)?
- What is the total dollar amount of these two kinds of income?
With this information in hand, click here and answer the questions to find out if you need to file a 2009 Federal Tax Return.
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Alicia King - Alicia King has been writing for Suite 101 since June of 2007. For over a year, she was the Featured Writer for the Suite section about ...
