can I still file?

[DDawson41]

I did not work this year, but have 3 dependents am i still able to file?

[KanM361]

Yes, you can file your tax return, even if you did not worked, that way you will be able to claim refund for any tax credits you are eligible for.

[sdammons]

Although you may not be required to file because you had no income, there are instances where you should file because you might be entitled to a Refundable Credit that could give you a refund even when you do not owe any tax.

While most refundable credits, require you to have earned income ( income from working or self-employment), the Child Tax Credit is fully refundable. In other words,  you do not need any income or need to owe any tax in 2021 to receive the full amount of the Child Tax Credit for which you are eligible.  For more information on this topic, see Child Tax Credit.

For a list of refundable credits and their criteria, see 4 refundable tax credits that could help you get a refund .

Do You Have to File an Income Tax Return? 

[xmasbaby0]

"I did not work this year"   

What year do you mean?  If you are asking about 2021, there are some refundable credits like the child tax credit that you can get even if you did not work.   And there is a lookback to 2019 for the earned income credit.

If your are asking about tax year 2022, you will not be eligible for child-related credits if you had no income from working.   And there are no stimulus payments/recovery rebate credit for tax year 2022.

[DDawson41]

Am i still eligable for the child tx credit?

[xmasbaby0]

@DDawson41 You still have not clarified which tax year you are asking about.   Are you trying to get the CTC for a 2021 tax return?   Did anyone else claim the child(ren) for 2021?

[SuziM]

Thanks for your participation in our Ask the Expert event regarding "How does the Child Tax Credit and Dependent Care Credit impact this year's tax return for you?"! We’d love to get your input on the event and your TurboTax experience: Click here to leave a video testimonial.