Every year, Americans gather necessary tax forms and prepare their returns, and contemplate what they could have done with the dollars that went to Uncle Sam and their state governments. However, five main categories of taxpayers are exempt from this process under our tax code.
Key Takeaways
- 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 be exempt from paying taxes.
- A substantial medical bill claimed on Schedule A as an unreimbursed medical expense can drastically reduce taxable income.
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. 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. For the tax reporting year 2023, Americans can earn up to $120,000 working abroad before paying taxes, and in 2024 that amount increases to $126,500.
Expatriates receive additional benefits by excluding or deducting housing costs from their incomes. To qualify, the taxpayer must meet specific requirements. They must be residents of a foreign country or 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, you do not need to pay taxes or file a tax return. For example, a married couple must have earned at least $27,700 in 2023 or $29,200 in 2024 before the IRS requires them to file their taxes.
Below are the filing requirements set by the IRS.
| Filing Status (2023) | Then file a return if your income was: |
|---|---|
| Single | $13,850 or more |
| Married, filing jointly | $27,700 or more |
| Head of household | $20,800 or more |
| Filing Status (2024) | Then file a return if your income was: |
|---|---|
| Single | $14,600 or more |
| Married, filing jointly | $29,200 or more |
| Head of household | $21,900 or more |
Source: Internal Revenue Service
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. A married couple with three children can qualify for a maximum tax credit of $7,430 in 2023 and $7,830 in 2024, 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 $600 in 2023 and $632 in 2024, and the income threshold for this taxpayer would be $17,640 in 2023 and $18,591 in 2024.
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, working abroad and are below the required thresholds, or are a qualifying non-profit organization.
How Can I Receive Money and Not Pay Taxes?
If you receive income, you have to pay taxes on that money. Some situations where you receive money and will not have to pay taxes may include disability insurance payments, health savings accounts (HSAs), employer-provided insurance, life insurance payouts, financial gifts, and inheritances.
At What Age Do You Stop Filing Taxes?
There is no set age when individuals are exempt from filing taxes. Regardless of age, the need to file is determined by income, filing status, and other factors. How much of your Social Security benefits are taxable also depends on multiple factors and can be determined by filling out an IRS worksheet.
The Bottom Line
Although some taxpayers are automatically exempt from taxation, such as 501(c)3 organizations, it is possible to exempt yourself from taxation by incurring substantial deductions or reducing your income.
