How can I get a bigger tax refund with no dependents?

Asked by: Camylle Kertzmann  |  Last update: May 2, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (13 votes)

How to maximize your tax refund
  1. Itemize your deductions. Deductions are dollar amounts you're able to subtract from your taxable income, reducing the amount you'll owe in taxes. ...
  2. Contribute to tax-advantaged accounts. ...
  3. Ensure you are claiming the right credits. ...
  4. Adjust your filing status.

How much can you get back in taxes with no dependents?

The earned income tax credit

If you are eligible for this credit, the maximum amount you could receive is: $632 if you have no dependent children. $4,213 if you have one qualifying child. $6,960 if you have two qualifying children.

What increases your tax refund?

Remember, timing can boost your tax refund

Look for payments or contributions you can make before the end of the year that will reduce your taxable income. For example: If you can, make January's mortgage payment before December 31 and get the added interest for your mortgage interest deduction.

How can a single person get a bigger refund?

If you're single, you could look into whether you qualify for head of household status. Generally, you need to have paid more than half the cost of maintaining a household for yourself and a qualifying dependent over the year. For tax purposes, this could mean a child or a dependent adult, including an aging parent.

How to get $7000 tax refund?

Who can claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)?
  1. Have investment income of less than $11,600 in tax year 2024.
  2. Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your 2024 return.
  3. Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien for the entire year.
  4. Not file Form 2555 (foreign earned income)

SECRETS: How to get a BIG TAX REFUND with no dependents (Legally)

28 related questions found

How do people get $10,000 tax refunds?

How do I get a 10,000 tax refund? You could end up with a $10,000 tax refund if you've paid significantly more tax payments than you owe at the end of the year.

What disqualifies you from earned income credit?

You can't claim the EIC unless your investment income is $11,600 or less. If your investment income is more than $11,600, you can't claim the credit. Use Worksheet 1 in this chapter to figure your investment income.

How do I max out my tax refund?

4 ways to increase your tax refund come tax time
  1. Consider your filing status. Believe it or not, your filing status can significantly impact your tax liability. ...
  2. Explore tax credits. Tax credits are a valuable source of tax savings. ...
  3. Make use of tax deductions. ...
  4. Take year-end tax moves.

Is it better to claim 1 or 0 on your taxes?

By placing a “0” on line 5, you are indicating that you want the most amount of tax taken out of your pay each pay period. If you wish to claim 1 for yourself instead, then less tax is taken out of your pay each pay period.

Which filing status gives the biggest refund?

Married filing jointly is the most common filing status for married couples. This status has the highest standard deduction and some of the most beneficial tax rate brackets. You file together and report combined income, along with your combined deductions and qualifying credits on the same return.

What causes a high tax refund?

Why is my tax return so big? In most cases, a big refund indicates you aren't taking all of the withholdings and tax deductions you're eligible for. You can fix this by adjusting your tax withholdings with your employer.

How to qualify for the American Opportunity Credit?

An eligible student is defined as a student who:
  1. Is enrolled at least half-time in a program leading to a degree, certificate, or other recognized credential.
  2. Had at least one academic period beginning during the year.
  3. Didn't claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit for more than three previous years.

Should I file single or head of household?

Filing as Head of Household often benefits you from more favorable tax rates than other filing statuses. When you're in a lower tax bracket, it can reduce your overall tax liability — and maybe even the amount of taxes you owe.

Can I claim 2 if I have no dependents?

A single filer with no children should claim a maximum of 1 allowance, while a married couple with one source of income should file a joint return with 2 allowances. You can also claim your children as dependents if you support them financially and they're not past the age of 19.

What is the average tax refund for a single person?

The biggest tax question on most people's minds, once filing season gets underway, is whether they'll get a refund or owe the IRS money. The average tax refund in 2024 was $3,004, a 0.9 percent increase from the average refund of $2,977 in 2023, based on IRS data through the third week of October.

What is the extra tax credit for 2024?

You may be eligible for a California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) up to $3,644 for tax year 2024 as a working family or individual earning up to $30,950 per year. You must claim the credit on the 2024 FTB 3514 form, California Earned Income Tax Credit, or if you e-file follow your software's instructions.

Will I get a bigger tax refund if I claim 0?

When you claim 0 on your taxes, you have the largest amount withheld from your paycheck for federal taxes. If your goal is to receive a larger tax refund, then it will be your best option to claim 0. Typically, those who opt for 0 want a lump sum to use as they wish, like: Pay bills.

What can a single person claim on taxes?

If you itemize, you can deduct these expenses:
  • Bad debts.
  • Canceled debt on home.
  • Capital losses.
  • Donations to charity.
  • Gains from sale of your home.
  • Gambling losses.
  • Home mortgage interest.
  • Income, sales, real estate and personal property taxes.

Which is greater, gross income or net income?

Gross income is typically larger because, in most cases, it's the total income before accounting for deductions. Net income is usually the smaller number left after accounting for deductions or withholding.

How do I get the biggest federal refund?

The amount of your tax refund depends on several factors including filing status, deductions and credits. Itemizing tax deductions and claiming lesser-known credits are among the ways to boost your refund. Tax deductible contributions can be made to traditional IRAs and health savings accounts up until tax day.

What is the formula for maximum refund amount?

Maximum Refund Amount = {(Turnover of inverted rated supply of goods) x Net ITC ÷ Adjusted Total Turnover} minus tax payable on such inverted rated supply of goods Explanation: The meaning of the term “Net ITC” and “Adjusted Total turnover” shall have the same meaning as assigned to them in sub-rule (4).

Can I get EIC without dependents?

You may qualify for the EITC even if you can't claim children on your tax return.

What is the IRS 6600 refund?

$6600 New IRS Refund for US Residents

The IRS has announced a refund program that offers up to $6,600 for eligible U.S. residents. This initiative is designed for individuals who have not yet claimed certain tax credits or have missed vital refunds from the 2020 tax year.

How much money do I have to make to get earned income credit?

Check if you qualify for CalEITC

You're at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child. Have earned income of at least $1 and not more than $31,950. Have a valid Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for you, your spouse/RDP, and any qualifying children.