Getting a refund with no Federal Taxes withheld?

So I had a baby in 2005 and for my income taxes in 2006, I received over $3000...for having a baby. I'm a single mom and I have 5 Federal Exemptions. I make too little to have any federal taxes withheld. Would I still receive money back for having my daughter? I get no support from anywhere else, if that matters...her dad is not involved at all. I was just curious for any of you accountants out there. It wouldn't really matter either way, but it'd be nice to add to her savings. There are a few reasons I haven't taken him for child support. Number 1, he worked (I don't know if he still does) as a cook for a restaurant making $7.50/hour. He was already taken to court by his ex for child support and it was granted. So obviously he'll have to pay some of his wages to her which doesn't leave him with much...so I'd get MAYBE enough to cover PART of the diapers and that's it. It's not worth it and here's why. He's got a warrant out for his arrest already...and no one can find him (including me). When we were together, I found out he was buying and selling drugs...as well as doing them. He was also cheating on me with 2 girls. When I found that out (all at the same time from him) I left him, but said he could come with me to the doctor's visits b/c I had just found out I was pregnant. He refused...literally. And then, disappeared. I don't want my daughter growing up with a druggie father...that's why it's not worth it. I care for her safety. :)

Public Comments

I am not a tax accountant but I don't think you'll get a refund. Refund is for tax you've overpaid, since you haven't pay any tax, there's no money to give back.
Unfortunately, you can get a refund even if you paid no taxes. It's called Earned Income Credit, and it is a reverse tax based on the amount you earn. Under the circumstances you describe, you'll probably get a check from the IRS even if you didn't earn enough to pay taxes. Why haven't you pursued the father for child support? He has a legal responsibility to support his kid. So do you.
If you qualify for the Earned Income Credit you could get money back. It is a refundable credit.
Go to irs.gov and they have the forms and instructions. It will tell you if you made to much to get the earned income credit or not. I can't tell you what form to use but it looks like you would use the 1040EZ. It's real easy to figure out. I used to do my taxes all the time but then I got married and I have someone else do it now. Just go to the instructions and it gives you the formula on how to figure it out. Also, it doesn't matter if you don't get child support or not. Hope this helps.
You can get a $1,000 tax credit for your daughter, but the credit cannot reduce your tax liability below zero. If you are working, you can qualify for the earned income credit, which can reduce your tax liability below zero.