If your income is below the threshold, you don't need to file a tax return.If you are eligible for tax credits, you may want to file a return even if you didn't have any income.If you have no income, you can use the IRS's Free File system to file a tax return.
Step 1: The correct form should be chosen.
There are three different versions of the standard tax return.If you're filing a zero income tax return, you won't be using a 1040EZ, which is for people with no dependents.You'll probably be filing the tax return.It will choose the correct form for you based on the information you give, if you use online tax preparation software.
Step 2: Provide the identification information.
You have to enter your name, address, and Social Security number when you start filling out your tax return.You must complete this information for your spouse if you're married.Information for your filing status and any dependents you're claiming will also be entered.
Step 3: For all income categories, enter "-0).
You will be asked about your income in the next portion of the tax return.You'll enter a "-0" in each blank if you didn't earn any income for the year.Your total income will be zero.Make sure the income categories don't apply to you.If you have money in a savings account that earns interest, you may have to report it as income.
Step 4: You should make any adjustments to your income.
Since you didn't have any income for the year, you're not likely to have adjustments.A negative number would be created for your adjusted gross income.If your AGI is less than zero, you'd still enter "-0" in the line.
Step 5: Obtain documents and information.
You may be able to get some credits even if you don't have any income.Even if you didn't pay any taxes, you could still get a refund from the IRS.If you received an advance premium tax credit to subsidize your health insurance premiums, you should have received a Form 1095A in the mail.
Step 6: If you received an advance premium tax credit, reconcile it.
If you purchased health insurance on healthcare.gov, you may have received a premium tax credit in order to subsidize your insurance premiums.If you received a larger tax credit than you were eligible for, you may be able to get a refund.If you advanced too much money, you may owe the IRS money back.This is not likely to be the case since you didn't have an income for the year.
Step 7: If you have children, figure out your child tax credit.
The child tax credit can be used to reduce your tax liability.You may be eligible for the additional child tax credit if you have no income and no tax liability.You can find out if you're eligible for the tax credit by completing the form.If you use tax preparation software to complete your taxes, you'll usually answer a few questions.
Step 8: If you went to school, you should use your education tax credit.
Many people who report zero income went to school full time during the year and may have had an internship over the summer.Most of the education tax credit reduces your tax liability.This doesn't do anything for you because you have no tax liability.40 percent of the tax credit is not valid.Even if you didn't owe taxes, you can get that money back.
Step 9: You can choose your file software.
If your income is less than $66,000, the IRS will give you a free download of brand-name tax preparation software.State returns will be done by some software.You can use the IRS's free tool to look up the software available for you.
Step 10: To file electronically, check your identity.
To verify your identity, use the adjusted gross income you reported on the previous year's tax return.You can use a 5-digit PIN to sign your forms if you filed electronically last year.You can get a free online transcript if you don't have a copy of last year's tax return.Your AGI will be listed.
Step 11: Mail paper can be returned to the correct address in your state.
You can still mail in paper returns if you don't want to file your return electronically.Each state has a separate address for taxpayers.Click on the name of your state to find out where to mail your return.