How Long Are You Allowed Not To File Taxes?

How long are you allowed to not file taxes? There is no maximum limit to the number of years you can not file taxes, so long as you qualify under the exemption from filing. Each year is evaluated individually, so as long as you are not required to pay taxes in each individual year, you could theoretically never file taxes at all.

Every year the numbers change, but for 2009, the filing threshold for non-dependents under 65 was $9,350. This means that if your gross income was less than that amount, you were not required to file taxes so long as one of the following events did not occur in the tax year.

If you made more than $400 of self-employed earnings, you would be required to file taxes. Also, if you received Advance Earned Income Credit, sold your home, received an early distribution on or made excess contributions to an IRA or MSA, were required to take a minimum distribution on your retirement plan and did not do so, received a distribution in excess of $160,000 from a retirement plan, owed taxes on tips, owed recapture tax or were subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax, or if you made $108.28 as a church employee, then you would be required to file taxes.

Even if you are not required to file taxes, it is probably in your best interest to do so because you are probably entitled to a refund! If you suspect you are due a refund on past years in which you have not filed, file as soon as possible. You only have three years to claim past-due refunds.

Resources:

IRS: FAQ

IRS: Do you need to file?