Even if you do not have to file, you should file a tax return
if you can get money back. For example, you should file if one of the following
applies.
- You had income tax withheld from your pay.
- You made estimated tax payments for the year or had any of
your overpayment for last year applied to this year's estimated tax.
- You qualify for the making work pay credit. See Schedule M
(Form 1040A or 1040).
- You qualify for the earned income credit. See Publication
596, Earned Income Credit (EIC), for more information.
- You qualify for the additional child tax credit. See the instructions
for the tax form you file (Form 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ) for more information on
this credit.
- You qualify for the refundable American opportunity education
credit. See Form 8863, Education Credits.
- You qualify for the health coverage tax credit. For information
about this credit, see Form 8885, Health Coverage Tax Credit.
- You qualify for the refundable credit for prior year minimum
tax. See Form 8801, Credit for Prior Year Minimum Tax — Individuals,
Estates, and Trusts.
- You qualify for the first-time homebuyer credit. See Form
5405, First-Time Homebuyer Credit.
- You qualify for the credit for federal tax on fuels. See Form
4136, Credit for Federal Tax Paid on Fuels.
- You qualify for the adoption credit. See Form 8839, Qualified
Adoption Expenses.