<prompt> Human: So heres another post from someone who has never filed taxes, it must get old but individual cases are very specific so I have a few questions.First off, I am filing for the first time this year and I have been working for the past 3 years but only part time so I think my income was never more than 8,000. Will I need to file previous tax returns in order to file this years in which I made at least 12,000? Ive heard that several times. But I have never received any contact from the IRS about needing to file, and everyone always made it sound like the mystical IRS would find me when it was my chosen time. Also I am attempting to file as an independent, Ive lived away from my parents for about 2 years and pay 90 of my expenses so I believe there should be no problem with that, except my mother may try to claim me again. As far as I know the IRS will side with me if we both try to claim me? Ive never been sure what to put on the form when first hired for a job, so I always put 0 for deductions, is that advisably for someone in my position? I found out that increases the taxes that are taken out of my paycheck, and I already make so little.Finally, the most confusing part of my question, student tuition credits. As far as I know filing shouldnt be too difficult, but last year the questions about my student fees seemed to hold up filing my FAFSA so I just didnt even file. There are the two different tuition credits I know and to which semesters to they apply to? The Spring and following Fall in the same year? My previous year of college was at two separate community colleges, each full time, and each with a Pell Grant, and one with a loan. Can I receive those tax deductions in my situation? Would I need to use them for my first year of college which was 2013,or can I start with last year? Ive found a source saying I cant claim one since both cant be claimed if my parent can even if she chooses not to claim me as a dependent. Well I provide over 50 of my income and now Im technically a 34 time student so do they apply to me? Hopefully you guys can help me out, no one seems to know much about these credits, none of my friends at least or the person who said he had experience helping people file with the Americorps..  <response>: I think my income was never more than 8,000If you made 8,000 and you had taxes withheld from your paycheck you are probably due a refund for those years. If you didnt have anything withheld you probably owe a small amount. If the IRS owes you money they have no incentive to contact you. 