Probably not at the Federal level as their income is low enough to not meet reporting criteria.

You can go through this tool on the IRS website:

• https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/do-i-need-to-file-a-tax-return

Generally, it's advised to file even if you do not have a filing requirement. This helps prevent someone else filing a fraudulent tax return under you. Or if someone does file fraudulently, you'd be alerted sooner (rather than discovering it several years later and having to deal with multiple years of fraudulent tax returns).

> I actually asked a tax professional at LibertyTax ... it'd cost more just to do so.

Just be aware that big box shops (like LibertyTax, H&R Block, Jackson Hewett, etc) do not generally have the best reputation. It's primarily because many of their "tax professionals" are receive a cursory education consisting of a few weeks.

A true tax professional carries a CPA or EA certification. Generally this is the qualification you should be seeking when looking for a real professional. Generally, seeking out an independent CPA/EA in your area would be advised over the big box shops.

But anyways, if you're interested in a DIY approach, there are free options out there (or at least very cheap).

• https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/s63hyl/tax_filing_software_megathread_a_comprehensive/