Benefits of Filing a Tax Return
Get your money back. In some cases, you may get your money back when you file your tax return. For example, if your employer withheld taxes from your paycheck, you may be owed a refund when you file your taxes.
Avoid interest and penalties. You may avoid interest and penalties by filing an accurate tax return on time and paying any tax you owe in the right way before the deadline. Even if you can’t pay, you should file on time or request an extension to avoid owing more money.
Protect your credit. You may avoid having a lien placed against you when you file an accurate tax return on time and pay any tax you owe in the right way before the deadline. Liens can damage your credit score and make it harder for you to get a loan.
Apply for financial aid. An accurate tax return can make it easier to apply for help with education expenses.
Build your Social Security benefit. Claiming your self-employment income on your return ensures that it will be included in your benefit calculation.
Get an accurate picture of your income. When you apply for a loan, lenders will look at your tax return to figure out your interest rate and decide if you can repay. If you file accurate tax returns, you may get a loan with a lower interest rate and better repayment terms.
Get peace of mind. When you file an accurate tax return and pay your taxes on time, you’ll know that you’re doing the right thing to follow the law.