Tax Returns

• As a disabled veteran, you may file a return if you desire, no matter your income level. In some cases, you must file. Neither your disability status nor your veteran status exempts you from filing a return, but the minimum income threshold required to file changes if you’re disabled. It also adjusts based on your age. One of the differences in filing for a disabled veteran is the exemptions available to him.
  
  

Thresholds

• Your income threshold for filing depends on your filing and dependent status. If you are under 65 and file as single, you must file a return if your income is over $9,350; if you file as married filing jointly, the threshold is $18,700; if you file as married, filing separately, the threshold is $3,650; if you file as head of household, it‘s $12,050. If you are over 65 and file as single, the threshold is $10,750; if you file as married filing jointly and one spouse is over 65, it is $19,800; if both spouses are over 65, it is $20,900; if you file as Head of Household, the threshold is $13,450. If you are considered another’s dependent, your threshold may be different.
  
  

Benefits

• Even if you don’t need to file a return, consider preparing and transmitting one. Many benefits available to those who file cannot be claimed by nonfilers. In some tax years, a rebate is given to all filers below a certain income level; if you’re not required to file, you’re certainly below the required level. In that case, filing can give you access to a check -- money you wouldn’t have otherwise. Other situations, like business losses and capital gains losses, can be used to reduce your overall taxable income in future tax years, but only if you file a return.
  
  

Exemptions

• Disabled veterans have access to some tax benefits other people can’t receive. If you receive Veterans Affairs compensation, your benefits in that program aren’t taxed. Even if you file a tax return, those taxes will never be applied to that benefit. Use line 14a on your 1040 to list your VA benefits. Some states also offer tax benefits to disabled veterans. For example, South Dakota doesn’t require disabled veterans or their widows to pay property taxes on the lot where their home sits or up to an acre of land.