I worked in USA for the past 8 years and returned back to India in May 2008 and currently settled in India. Can I file tax return for 2008 in USA by giving my friends USA address as my address while filing so that he can receive the tax refund or is there any other way?

While you probably would be able to do that and get the refund without the IRS knowing any better, it is NOT the proper way to file.

Besides, you can file a dual-status return from India via normal mail (dual-status returns CANNOT be filed electronically). If you maintained an account at your U.S. bank, you can have the money direct deposited to that account.

If you need help filing the return from India, email me at the email address below.

On your tax return you can give India address. If you do not want direct deposit (it must be U.S. bank), then IRS will send you paper check.
For 2008, you will file dual status tax return as you were resident up to May 2008 and non-resident after that.
For professional help to do your tax return, you should contact [email protected]

Thanks for your Replies. I will get in touch with you soon. Will I be eligible for the child tax credit as I have 2 kid below 13 who lived with me in US during that period?

You are resident only up to May 2008. So the question is, will you get child tax credit on the resident part of your dual status tax return?

Yes, As I was not 180 days in US will I be able to get child credit?

Negative. The Child Tax Credit is NOT available to you if you file a dual-status return UNLESS the child is a U.S. citizen.

I have a related question. What are the implications of not filling a dual status return? I have a similar situation. I permanently left US in August 2008.

Does the amount on the return matter with respect to scrutiny?

W2 forms for myself and my wife have mailing address of India. Will that have a impact on the scrutiny from IRS if I do not file as a dual status?

If you do not file, probably NOTHING will happen to you, as you probably OVER-WITHHELD to cover any tax liability.

Of course, unless you file, you will NOT get the refund you are probably due.