Filing tax returns without meeting the minimum income

[Moonandstar 6]

I know this isn't really the place for tax questions, but the only reason i'm filing is because of the visa.

I only made $1700 in 2008. Wayyy below the minimum income filing requirements.

This was all working the same job, and they withheld income tax for me. $37 to be exact.

But going over the 2008 tax tables, it says that for that income amount, i would owe $171 in taxes. So my question is, if i file income tax for 2008, does that mean i would need to pay them $134??

Even though i'm not required to file for that year?

I thought the place i was working for was supposed to handle that for me....

[pushbrk 12,160]

I know this isn't really the place for tax questions, but the only reason i'm filing is because of the visa.

I only made $1700 in 2008. Wayyy below the minimum income filing requirements.

This was all working the same job, and they withheld income tax for me. $37 to be exact.

But going over the 2008 tax tables, it says that for that income amount, i would owe $171 in taxes. So my question is, if i file income tax for 2008, does that mean i would need to pay them $134??

Even though i'm not required to file for that year?

I thought the place i was working for was supposed to handle that for me....

You're wrong on both counts. Your employer isn't responsible for filing a tax return for you. They just report your income. If you only made $1700 for the whole year, you don't have to file and you owe no federal income tax.

[Moonandstar 6]

Right i realize they aren't supposed to file for me, i was saying that they were supposed to withhold all taxes for me.

I know im not required, but i would like to anyway- i think you answered my question, but just for clarity, IF i file, and fill in 171 as the taxes due, I wont end up with a bill, will i?

[K and L 27]

Do you not want your money back? The tax tables are for the adjusted gross income (AGI), not your actual income. In 2008, the personal exemption was something like $3000, so your AGI was $0, and you're entitled to get a full refund. Granted, it's $37, but that's a six pack and a pizza, or whatever floats your boat.

[pushbrk 12,160]

Right i realize they aren't supposed to file for me, i was saying that they were supposed to withhold all taxes for me.

I know im not required, but i would like to anyway- i think you answered my question, but just for clarity, IF i file, and fill in 171 as the taxes due, I wont end up with a bill, will i?

If you tell the IRS you own them $171 in federal income tax, then you better send them a check for that amount. Like I told you, you don't owe any tax, so don't pay any. Why do you want to file a return? If you insist, then it sounds like you need a professional. You might try turbo tax federal for free. Go through the motions, and they'll tell you you owe no taxes. You may even get money back.

Your W2 form will tell you what was withheld in the way of taxes but witholding tax, doesn't mean you owe it. :Lower income people get all their witholding back and more quite frequently.

[Moonandstar 6]

Oh ok, i get it now.

THanks for the help guys.

[justashooter 430]

with that kind of income, if you're living independently and are over 24 years age, you might qualify for Earned Income Credit.

google it and find out.

[Anh map 2,098]

with that kind of income, if you're living independently and are over 24 years age, you might qualify for Earned Income Credit.

google it and find out.

Most of the tax prep software will walk you through a Q&A to determine if you qualify for the EIC. It's worth it to check.