Millions of Americans very welcome news from the IRS about the tax year 2025 to a great extent that is they do not have to file a tax return. This scenario is only possible if the person receives the amount of income that falls at an appropriate level. By raising the standard deduction amounts for 2025, the IRS has lifted the filing threshold so that you are probably not going to have to file your tax return even if your earnings fall into that threshold.
However, this does not mean that all individuals are involved. Your filing status, the type of your available income, and your age all still remain to be the deciding factors. Here’s what to do if you intend to leave your return out of consideration this year.
Who Doesn’t Need to File Taxes in 2025?
The statement of the IRS shows that for the 2025 tax year the standard deduction amounts are:
- a) $15,000 for single filers
- b) $30,000 for married couples who file jointly
- c) $22,500 for heads of the family
In case your total earnings for 2025 do not cross the value of these deductions, and you still do not have some special circumstances (like, say, self-employment income or tax credits to avail of), it is obvious that you will not be required to file your federal tax return.
Why Did the IRS Change the Filing Threshold?
Indeed, every year, the inflation index causes the IRS to make a correction in the standard deduction. So, in 2025, the IRS had to raise the threshold up in line with the increased cost of living brought about by the inflation rate. These shifts help lighten the load of tax on the lower-income people category and directly address the gradual rise in the rate of living.
The new set of brackets is just a small part of a series of changes introduced by the IRS for the 2025 tax period. You can learn more by visiting the IRS inflation adjustments
.
Not Everyone Qualifies – Read About the Exemptions
Granted it is a sigh of relief but it surely does not mean that everyone is a candidate to be excused by the law away from tax firing. Some of the exceptions are listed here:
- Dependents: Provided you are claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return your filing status is subject to different rules. For 2025, the deduction is the greatest of $1,350 or your earned income plus $450, up to the standard amount.
- Self-employed individuals: Even if your total income is lower than the standard deduction, you must file a return if you have self-employment income of $400 or more.
- Tax credits: You may want to file even if not required, especially if you qualify for refundable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. You may get money back from the IRS as these credits are refundable.
- Health Savings Accounts: If you took money out of a Health Savings Account (HSA) or received any other taxable distributions, you may still need to file.
To get a custom response, give the IRS Interactive Tax Assistant a try to see if you need to file depending on your circumstances.
Should You File Even If You Don’t Have To?
Yes – There are indeed many cases where you should file even in absence of the necessity.
Assuming your employer withheld federal income taxes from your paycheck or you are eligible for refundable credits, the only way to recoup those dollars is by filing your taxes. The reason for this is that a good amount of United States citizens might be beneficiaries of a refund without their knowledge.
Moreover, the IRS has warned individuals that any unclaimed refunds will expire after three years. Thus, not filing a return could eventually make you lose money.
What to Do Now
If your income is lower than the filing threshold, that’s good news — however, don’t just assume. Reconsider your total income, deductions, and credits. In case of further indecision, seek help from a tax professional or use one of the many free tax filing tools approved by the IRS.
See the IRS’s Who Should File guide for a complete list of filing rules.
