Hi!

Tax Question: I entered the US on an F-1 visa in May 2007, and for the years 2007 and 2008 (no employment) my University guided international students with filing the 8843 forms. I transferred to a different campus and I took a part time on campus job there for 2009. Unfortunately the new campus I was in did not provide tax filing support and I resorted to asking around about what to do for filing. I earned a total of $387 (amount on W-2) and people said that I didn't need to file any tax returns as the income was of a negligible amount. I graduated and left the US. Now I'm having doubts as to whether I did the right thing or if I should file the return now as I do not want to have any entry problems if I want to go back to the US for further studies.

Question: Should I file the return or does it not matter?

Appreciate your time and advise! Thanks!

What your friends told you was accurate. If your total wages was only $387, you had NO legal obligation to file a tax return.

If any money was withheld (Block #2 on the W-2), you can still file Form 1040NR-EZ and claim that amount as the refund, because your personal exemption of $3,650 completely offset the wage.

However, if Block #2 of the W-2 is EMPTY, then you need do NOTHING!