Question: I have not filed a return this year because the preparer told me that I did not have enough taxable income that I needed to file. Comment, please. James, Hastings, NE

Answer: You’re probably fine. Some people don’t have to file if they make under a certain sum of money and can’t take advantage of any refunds, credits, deductibles and the like. (An exception was the tax year 2007 when you had to file to get your tax rebate.) “Many people will file a 2008 Federal income tax return even though the income on the return was below the filing requirement,” according to the IRS

Here’s how to make sure: The IRS has a section of its website that asks a series of questions to help you determine if you need to file a federal income tax return. Check it out.