can I file a California & federal tax return if I receive workers comp? how do I do it without a W-2 form?

Question

i have been on workmans comp for almost three years. I am a single male, raising two children, when I make any purchases I have to pay tax. I have heard that I can still file for a tax return even without a w-2 form. Could someone please help me or tell me how? I can use the money I am told I am entiteled to.

I pay taxes wherever anyone else that lives in Calif. does. If nothing else, it seems I'm still head of household. my 25000 a year Ive been getting from workers comp is all spent for our house, clothes, groceries, ect. I raise two children that are in jr. high school, the school gets paid for them to be there, regardless of my income. It takes money that I spend here to keep us alive. it seems, kike I said, that I should have something coming. I tried to do a "E-File" putting the info in that they request is getting me ran around in circles. I like the first response (or answer), but I cant find the section that the person is refering to.

I pay taxes wherever anyone else that lives in Calif. does. If nothing else, it seems I'm still head of household. my 25000 a year Ive been getting from workers comp is all spent for our house, clothes, groceries, ect. I raise two children that are in jr. high school, the school gets paid for them to be there, regardless of my income. It takes money that I spend here to keep us alive. it seems, like I said, that I should have something coming. I tried to do a "E-File" putting the info in that they request is getting me ran around in circles. I like the first response (or answer), but I cant find the section that the person is refering to.

Answer 1

From the information given, you don't have any reason to file a tax return, or get a refund. There is no refund for sales tax, although in some cases you can use it as an itemized deduction to reduce your other income. In your case, since you have no taxable income, it wouldn't do anything to help you.
You do qualify as Head of Household from what you've stated here, but simply filing a return with that filing status does not automatically get you money, it simply give you a higher standard deduction, which lowers the amount of money you pay tax on. Since you don't have anything to pay tax on, this doesn't help you either.
It is possible to file a tax return without a W2, if you are self-employed or have other, non-wage income. But if you are an employee it is not legal to file a tax return without a W2 under normal circumstances. It is possible, if you did not get a W2 but should have, to file with a 'substitute W2', but only after Feb 15th.
There are folks with lower incomes who qualify for something called the Earned Income Credit, which can get you a refund even if you didn't pay anything in taxes (from withholdings or quarterly payments). However, because you don't have "earned income' according to IRS guidelines, you do not qualify for this credit.
However, if you didn't file a 2006 return (which you would have filed by April,2007), you should look into filing and getting a refund of your Telephone Exise Tax Credit. It's not too late to file and get your refund for this. This was a one-time credit that was available to pretty much anyone who had paid for long distance service in the past few years. More information on filing is available at the IRS website, or you could check with a local tax preparation office. But be aware, this credit is small - between $30 and $60. But every little bit helps!
Edit: Might I suggest that if you have some extra time, you look into taking a tax class? I know you're on comp for a reason, and this might not be possible, but it would be very informative for you. If you talk to someone at a local tax prep agency, they might be able to give you a scholarship based on your current financial situation - I'm in OH, and I can do that for people.

Answer 2

1. You must file the return. Don't avoid this. 2. Check your filing status. You may be dependent. If any one can claim you dependent, then you don't get your personal exemption. 3. Normally this should be self employment income, which is subject to SE taxes at 15.3%. (But may be ninasgramma has correct info about medical study participation income. In that case, even if you don't have to pay SE taxes and you don't have any federal tax or state tax due, you must file the return to disclose your position.) 4. You will pay federal tax if your income is more than $5,350 (for single dependent) or $8,750 (single nondependent). 5. Then there may be State tax depending upon your state.

Answer 3

What money do you think you would get? If someone told you that you are "entitled to" money by filing a tax return, they aren't correct if the workman's comp is your only income. Workman's comp is not considered earned income for purposes of getting the Earned Income Credit if that's what you're referring to.

Answer 4

you can file a tax return, just fill in the empty spaces on the form where it says social security or workers comp. funding! I think they will give you good money because of your 2 children. good luck!

Answer 5

Workers compensation is not taxable. If that is all you have, you have no reason to file a return.