I did not earn any income in 2023, should I still file a tax return?

[Arch Stanton]

I was a self-employed independent contractor and my contract ended on December 31, 2022, so I did not earn any income in 2023. Should I still file a tax return?

According to this article, I don't need to file a tax return. I'm just wondering if it's safer to file one to avoid getting audited. Otherwise, how does the IRS know I didn't earn any income just because I didn't file a tax return.

If I do file a tax return, can I use the TurboTax Free Edition or do I need to use the one with a Schedule C? If so, I heard a Schedule C cannot be e-filed if it doesn't have any income. I would have to mail it.

[MinhT1]

If you had no income in 2023, you don't need to file a tax return.

With zero income, your tax return, if you choose to file one, can't be e-filed. It must be mailed. But remember, it isn't required to file.