If I don't need to file a return, should I go ahead and file one anyway?
by TurboTax • 
Updated December 16, 2025 10:09 PM
Even if you aren't required to file a tax return, here are the reasons you'd want to file anyway:
To get your tax withholdings back
To get refundable credits you qualify for, like the Earned Income Credit, the Child Tax Credit, or the American Opportunity Credit
Otherwise, if you don't have any withholdings or qualify for any refundable credits, don't file a return. You don't need to prove to the government that you have no taxable income (they already know).
You won't be able to e-file, and if you print and mail in a return, you'll just create unnecessary work.
