I started working for a small law firm in September 2008 and I don't get any taxes taken out of my check. I know that I have to fill out A 1099-Misc form. I am filing head of house hold and I have a two year old son. My question is what other forms can file to get the most return back. I only made 2240$ in 2008.

You don't fill out a 1099 misc, the employer sends one to you.

If this was ALL your income for 2008, then you would file a Schedule C as self employed. You will then have to pay the self-employment tax, but you probably wouldn't have to pay any income tax as your income is below the standard deductions you get for yourself and your son.

If no taxes were withheld from your pay then there is nothing to get back.

Thanks for answering my question. But one more question even though I didn't pay taxes I don't qualify for any return. For Instance I have a dependent.

The reason people get money back after filing their tax return is because they overpaid their tax liability. The purpose of a tax return is to calculate how much one owes in taxes. This amount is then compared to what they have already paid in withholding or estimate payments. If the paid too little, they have to make up the difference. If they paid too much, they get a refund. Since you paid nothing for 2008 there is no refund for you to get. In fact, because you had self employment income, you will have to pay the self-employment tax.

Because you have a son, your income qualifies for the Earned Income Credit, which should completely offset any self-employment tax you owe and will get you a refund of some type.

Further, the 1099 income may qualify you for either the upcoming stimulus rebate currently being discussed in Washington and/or the Recovery Rebate Credit if you did NOT get the 2007 Stimulus Rebate.

BOTTOM LINE: You need to file a 2008 tax return. I guarantee you will NOT need to write a check when everything is said and done.

If you want my professional help, email me at [email protected] for details and a fee quote.

Because you have a son, your income qualifies for the Earned Income Credit, which should completely offset any self-employment tax you owe and will get you a refund of some type.


Better news than I had, I always thought you had to have paid some taxes to get a refund. But I guess if you are entitled to some credits, if they more than offset taxes paid, you can get the balance of the credits.