If taxes are owed to me do I have to file taxes?

Question

If I do not have to file how many years can I go without filing as long as taxes are owed back to me?

I file EVERY year. My husband and I were just having a debate. Thanks for all you do!

Answer 1

It depends on your total annual income for each year, not whether you have under- or over-withheld during the year. Go to the IRS website - it will tell you what the income thresholds are for filing tax returns (depends on your filing status). If you can't find it there, call their info line.

Answer 2

Taxes are not owed to you. Ever. You may be due a refund for overpayment of taxes but unless you are a government you cannot collect taxes.

Just because you have a refund coming doesn't absolve you of the requirement to file a return for a tax year. Each year stands on its own. And if you've overpaid your taxes, the ONLY way you'll receive your refund is by filing the required returns.

Answer 3

Legally you are still required to file if you have enough income to be required to, even if you are owed a refund. But for any year where you didn't file but were owed a refund, the IRS won't come after you for not filing although your state might, depending on where you live.

Answer 4

You are not a government. You are never owed taxes. You may be due a refund of taxes you have prepaid. The law requires filing of a tax return whether or not you owe. If you are due a refund, the government thanks you for your interest free loan. If you do not file within three years of the due date of the return--next April 15 for 2004, the government thanks you for your gift.

Answer 5

You have to file to get your refund even if you are not required to file. I believe you can go back two years to get your refunds. Why wait? File on time and get your money back.