One of my clients doesn't owe any taxes for the 2017 tax year. Do I still have to e-file the tax return?

[IRonMaN · Accepted solution]

Owing doesn’t mean anything but having income over the filing requirements does.  So maybe.

[IRonMaN]

Is “maybe not” more helpful?

[George4Tacks]

Probably, or maybe not. Change your answer and see how the helpfuls change.

[George4Tacks]

I totally agree with the other answers given. Just to reinforce a definite MAYBE, it should be noted that the statute of limitations does not begin to run until the tax return is filed. If you bothered to prepare a return, file the return. I lean more toward an answer of YES. 

[TaxGuyBill]

Of course then comes the problem of the original question:  The OP asked if he needs to E-FILE the tax return.  E-filing is closed until mid-to-late January, so it probably should be mailed.

[George4Tacks]

OR just wait until the gates open in January. Late is late and assuming the "doesn't owe any tax" is still true, there is no rush. I like the confirmation of receipt we get with e-file, so I would wait.
This is not one of the hardest decisions a preparer will face, but I understand the challenge.

[Mt-Juliet--CPA]

I Would e-file the return so it will be on record that The client owed nothing for the year in question