So, when is it okay NOT to file a return?

[FirstLight]

If you make UNDER a certain amount? If you are on welfare & foodstamps? If you don't get anything back OR owe anything?

seriously... can you actually get in trouble if you made nothing and have nothing to report?

personally, I don't even GET the Earned Income Credit, because the Dept of Ed steals it for student loan default...so what's the fucking point..?

[uppityperson]

1. If you make under a certain amount you don't have to file. But if you would get money back, it is

good to file to get it back. If you won't get anything back and make under whatever it is, don't bother.

[blogslut]

2. Yes

If your income was under a certain amount (don't know what it is) then you don'thave to file a return.

[dimbear]

3. Go to the post office, pick up a form 1040 directions pamphlet.

It's all spelled out. There's no penalty for not filing if you don't have that much income.

Alternative: public library. Same same.

[enough]

5. Also all this stuff (instructions, etc.) is easly accessible online.

Anything available in print can be downloaded from the IRS website.

[virgogal]

4. This links has some info.

http://www.smartmoney.com/taxes/income/in-some-cases-you-dont-need-to-file-a-tax-return-20713/

[Make7]

6. Try irs.gov...

http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96623,00.html

http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=105097,00.html

... more ...

http://www.google.com/search?q=site:irs.gov+do+i+need+to+file

[aikoaiko]

7. Sounds like letting the EIC pay down your debt is a good deal. I'd file.

It can't hurt, can it?

[FirstLight]

8. thanks guys

I figured I wasn't gonna get audited...but it's nice to hear that others hold the same sentiment...

and as far as the eic and the loan, I say fuck'em. That education didn't help me one iota, and the govt spends more money on war than I can even fathom...so they don't need MY measly $20G's

[RebelOne]

9. For the first time in my working life (though I am not working now),

I do not have to file a return. My sole income is from social security and there are no taxes on social security. I am sure that if you made nothing and have nothing to report, you should not have to file.