Whether or not you need to file a return depends on your filing status, your age, and your gross income, which may or may not include Social Security benefits. To help you determine if you meet the Federal Filing Requirements threshold, consult the IRS' Do I Need to File a Tax Return? tool.
But even if you're not required to file, here are 3 good reasons why you may want to file anyway:
- To get a refund for any taxes withheld from your 2016 wages.
- To take advantage of the Earned Income Credit (EIC).
- To take advantage of any other refundable credits like the Additional Child Tax Credit or the American Opportunity college credit.