Winnings if you don't have to file ???

[Shinzuer]

Hi

So due to the writer's strike and severe family health issues I did not work a single day last year. However I did win some prizes in a contest . The MSRP of the prizes was $3018 and I had to fill out a W-9 Request for Taxpayer
Identification Number and Certification form before I got the prizes.

If I don't have to file since I didn't make enough money last year [ none],  do I still need to file because of the prize winning ?


                                                                          Thank you

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

Possibly.  You do not have to file just because you won a prize if your overall income is $0 and you are still below the filing threshold to file for the federal of $13,850  

However, depending on which state you are in, they may have different filing requirements.  If so, some states require that you file a federal return in order to file a state return, so you may need to file both a federal and a state.

Which state are you in?

[Shinzuer]

South Carolina

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

No. 

"If you are a South Carolina resident, you are generally required to file a South Carolina Income Tax return if you are required to file a federal return."  SC FAQ

[Shinzuer]

Thank you.

So I don't need to do anything at all due to the winning ? No other type of form needs to go in just to fill some govt. requirement  ?

[Vanessa A · Accepted solution]

No.  I am assuming they did not withhold taxes since it was not a cash prize.  If it was a cash prize and they withheld taxes, you would be able to file to claim the taxes back, but if they did not or you did not have to pay something for taxes, then no, there is no reason to file and no other forms you need to fill out. 

[Shinzuer]

Thank you very much !