Do I need to file income tax returns when I don't owe money?

[ett9300]

Hello,

I don't have a refund or owe taxes for both Federal and State Income Tax.  Do I still need to file Federal and State Income tax returns?

Thank you.

[igisjvb]

When you say you don't owe money, do you mean that you didn't work for the tax year? If you didn't earn money at all, you likely don't have to file taxes. However, if you earned an income, you will need to file, even if you neither owe nor are due a refund.

[ett9300]

Thanks for your quick response, igisjvb.   Based on your response, I need to file income tax returns. 

Question:  There are two different mailing addresses for IRS:  one for refund and one for owing money.  Since I don't get a refund nor owe money, which mailing address should I send my income tax returns to?  Do I send my income returns to the address for a refund or for owing money?

Thank you.

[igisjvb]

I would think it depends on your state. I had a similar situation recently in Kentucky, and it had me send the info to the address where you owe. What state are you filing in? 

[ett9300]

Thanks for your quick response, igisjvb.   I am in California.  Which mailing address should I send my income tax returns to?

Thanks.

[xmasbaby0]

@ett9300 @igisjvb 

Who has to file?

http://www.irs.gov/uac/Do-I-Need-to-File-a-Tax-Return%3F

[igisjvb]

According to ChatGPT:

If you’re filing a California state tax return and neither owe taxes nor expect a refund, you should mail your return to the address designated for returns without payment:

Franchise Tax Board

PO Box 942840

Sacramento, CA [removed]

This address is specified by the California Franchise Tax Board for personal tax forms 540 and 540 2EZ submitted without payment. 

For the most current information and additional details, please refer to the Franchise Tax Board’s official mailing addresses page.

[Hal_Al · Accepted solution]

You need to file a federal tax return, if your income is over the filing requirement. For most people that is $14,600.  If you are, or can be, a dependent, it may be less, depending on the source of your income. Details at: 

https://www.irs.gov/individuals/check-if-you-need-to-file-a-tax-return

If you don't need to file a federal return, you do not need to file a California state return. 

https://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/personal/do-you-need-to-file.html

For quick links to all State Filing Requirements: https://ttlc.intuit.com/turbotax-support/en-us/help-article/tax-return/need-file-state-return/L446Rv...

[lhliden]

Go to here:

Check if you need to file a tax return | Internal Revenue Service

to figure out if you need to file.

[ett9300]

Thank you very much @igisjvb, @xmasbaby0, @ Hal_Al, and @lhliden.   All the responses are very helpful.

Hal_Al,

I answered the questions that you sent in the link.  I don't need to file Federal and State income tax returns.

Since I don't need to file Federal and State Income tax returns, do I need to notify anyone or do anything?

Thank you.

[Hal_Al]

Q. Since I don't need to file Federal and State Income tax returns, do I need to notify anyone or do anything?

A. No.

[ett9300]

Thank you very much Hal_Al for your quick response and assistance. Have a great day!!!