Exempt from Filing a Return

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I am helping a friend with his return and his income is low and doesn't have to file. His 2018 income from work was under $10,000. He had no other income. He paid $160 income tax during the year and only had health insurance coverage for 3 months because he couldn't afford full year coverage. Does he have to file due to not having health insurance coverage for the full 12 months? What are his options?

PS: He is married, but intends to file MFS. His wife's only income was from disability benefits ($6,000) for her son. She also had insurance coverage for 3 months only.

Thanks

Lisa995Answer

Alumni - Champ

answered in comments

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Lisa995

Alumni - Champ

HE should still file married jointly. His income is low enough that he will get that $160 refunded and probably qualify for some Earned Income Credit if he files married jointly with is wife and the child.. And since his income is so low, there wont be any penalty for lack of health coverage.

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪

fasteddie577Author

Level 6

Hi Lisa, thanks for the reply. Is his wife's disability income reported on the return? Thanks

fasteddie577Author

Level 6

One other thing, what about the penalty for not having health insurance?

Lisa995

Alumni - Champ

Yes the wife's disability will go on there under Social Security (Im assuming its SSDI?) , but it wont be taxable.
The income is too low for any penalty for lack of health coverage to be assessed.

♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥Lisa♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪