I am a resident alien and do I need to file taxes if I do not work and the only money I get is a small amount of taxable money award from my school?

[Kkyros]

My status just become resident alien because of the substantial presence test and I do not work and the only kind of money income I get last year is with a small taxable award money. Do I have to file tax? If yes, I do not have an SSN so how do I do it?

[MinhT1]

If your award money is less than $12,550 then you are not required to file a tax return.

[Kkyros]

Thank you, the amount I received is much smaller than that. But I forgot to mention that the school send me the money including the taxed amount and say that I am supposed to use the extra money to pay tax for the award. So I still do not know how to proceed with the part where I am supposed to use the extra money to pay the tax. 

[JohnB5677 · Accepted solution]

Correct, provided the extra tax money for taxes and any other income you may have does not put you over the $12,550.  You do not have to file taxes.

[Kkyros]

Thank you!!!