I left the US on Feb 6th 2011. I received pay until I left and I cashed out my US pension plan (which I'd only started paying into). I'm pretty sure I'm owed money on taxes.

Because I had traveled a lot in 2009 and 2010, I don't pass the substantial presence test (I was in the USA for 318 days in 2009 and 225 days in 2010) with 164 days by the test calculation.

I'm just wondering, what should I file? Do I file a 1040NR (or the EZ version)? It's been suggested I may need to file dual status, but I'm hoping I don't have to, since I didn't pass the substantial presence test.

Any help is appreciated.

Oh also, I'm single with no kids.

If you file resident tax return in 2010, you are dual status for 2011-- resident up to Feb 6, 2011 and nonresident after that.

Dual-status IS an option.

However, you can also use the default residency termination date of 31 December 2011 and file as a resident for all of 2011, declaring all world-wide income and claiming the Foreign Tax credit for taxes paid to your home country.

It is best if you model the return BOTH ways to determine the best course of action.

In either case, you must also submit a Residency Termination Statement.

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