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Every year, millions of Americans patiently wait for weeks to receive all of their necessary tax forms in the mail, dutifully gather them together and prepare their returns, and wistfully contemplate what they could have done with the dollars that went to Uncle Sam and their state governments.
But not everyone is subject to this process; some groups of people in America have been exempted from this process under our tax code. There are five main categories of taxpayers that are lucky enough to escape the tax man.
Key Takeaways
- Some businesses and individuals do not pay taxes due to their situations.
- U.S. citizens who work abroad may not have to pay taxes to Internal Revenue Service if they meet specific criteria.
- Religious organizations are exempt from paying taxes.
- Some low-income taxpayers may end up not owing anything in taxes due to their situations.
- Many working Americans do pay some amount of income tax.
Personal Income Tax Guide
1. Not-for-Profit Organizations
Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code dictates that any organization that qualifies to be classified under this section is exempt from paying income taxes of any kind. Qualifying organizations include religious, educational, and humanitarian entities, such as churches, synagogues, universities, hospitals, the Red Cross, homeless shelters, and other groups that seek to improve our society.
2. U.S. Citizens Working Abroad
If you live and work overseas, it is possible that you may not pay taxes to Uncle Sam on that income. In 2022, Americans can earn up to $112,000 working abroad before they need to pay taxes, and in 2023 that amount goes up to $120,000.
Expatriates receive additional benefits, such as the ability to exclude or deduct housing costs from their incomes. To qualify, the taxpayer must meet specific requirements. They must be bona fide residents of a foreign country or be physically present in a foreign country for at least 330 full days in a year.
3. Low-Income Taxpayers
If you earn an income that does not exceed the standard deduction, not only do you not need to pay taxes, you don’t need to file. For example, a married couple under the age of 65 would need to earn at least $25,900 in 2022 ($27,700 in 2023) before the IRS requires them to file their taxes.
Below are the filing requirements set by the IRS.
| Filing Status (2022) | Then file a return if your income was: |
| Single, under 65 | $12,950 or more |
| Single, 65 or older | an additional $1,400 |
| Married, filing jointly, both spouses under 65 | $25,900 or more |
| Married, filing jointly, one spouse 65 or older | an additional $1,750 |
| Married, filing jointly, both spouses 65 or older | you both receive an additional $1,400 |
| Filing Status (2023) | Then file a return if your income was: |
| Single, under 65 | $13,850 or more |
| Single, 65 or older | an additional $1,500 |
| Married, filing jointly, both spouses under 65 | $27,700 or more |
| Married, filing jointly, one spouse 65 or older | an additional $1,850 |
| Married, filing jointly, both spouses 65 or older | you both receive an additional $1,500 |
4. Taxpayers With Many Deductions
Some taxpayers can write off most or all of their taxable income with personal deductions. For example, someone who incurs a substantial medical bill may be able to claim this on Schedule A as an unreimbursed medical expense, which can drastically reduce their taxable income, possibly to the point where it falls below the taxable threshold.
5. Taxpayers With Many Dependents
Lower-income families with dependent children might not have to pay taxes if they qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. For example, a married couple with three children could qualify for a maximum tax credit of $6,935 in 2022 ($7,430 in 2023), which would offset their tax bill dollar for dollar.
It is worth noting that taxpayers who don’t have children can also qualify for a tax credit. A single person with no children can claim a maximum credit of $560 in 2022 ($600 in 2023), and the income threshold for this taxpayer would be $16,480 in 2022 ($17,640 in 2023).
Who Does Not Have to Pay Taxes?
Generally, you don’t have to pay taxes if your income is less than the standard deduction, you have a certain number of dependents in relation to your income, are working abroad and below the required thresholds, or are a non-profit organization that qualifies. Determining if you have to pay taxes will depend on your age, income, and filing status.
How Can I Receive Money and Not Pay Taxes?
In general, if you receive money you have to pay taxes on that money. There are certain situations where you receive money and will not have to pay taxes. These include some disability insurance payments, health savings accounts (HSAs), employer-provided insurance, life insurance payouts, financial gifts, and inheritances. All of these come with certain caveats and stipulations, so it’s important to check the law or work with a tax advisor.
At What Age Do You Stop Filing Taxes?
Once you reach 65, you do not have to file taxes unless your non-Social-Security income is over a certain threshold.
The Bottom Line
Although some taxpayers are automatically exempted from taxation by default, such as 501(c)3 organizations, it is also possible to exempt yourself from taxation by incurring substantial deductions and/or reducing your income accordingly. Although it is not always wise to let your tax tail wag your financial dog, reducing your income below the taxable threshold will always feel good come tax time.
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Image and article originally from www.investopedia.com. Read the original article here.