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Level 1
April 9, 2026
Question

Tax Filing Inquiry for Tax Year 2025

  • April 9, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 568 views

Hi, TurboTax Support Team,

Below is a summary of my situation and the specific questions.  

 

Background:

I was employed as a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University at Buffalo (UB), New York State, under the SUNY Research Foundation from December 2020 to January 2024. After leaving the U.S. in January 2024, I moved back to my country. I am currently a faculty member at a university in my country. I have consistently filed my tax returns through 2025 (for the 2024 tax year) using the W-2 provided by UB’s HR department.  

 

Current Financial Status in the U.S. (2025):

Bank Accounts: I still maintain a bank account and a retirement account.

Investments: I do not have any active investments in the U.S.

2025 Income: I earned $1.19 in interest income from my bank account in 2025. There were no distributions or changes to my retirement account.

Others: In late 2025, I received a $200 inflation relief check from the New York State government.

Residency: I have been a non-resident for tax purposes since January 2024. Since then, my only visits to the U.S. have been for short trips (2-3 weeks each) under ESTA.  

 

My Questions:

  • Am I required to file a U.S. federal or state tax return in 2026 for the 2025 tax year?
  • Since I had no employment income in the U.S. during 2025, I assume no W-2 will be issued. Could you confirm if this is correct, or if I should still contact UB HR for any documentation?
  • Does TurboTax offer tax filing services for my specific case? 
  • Given my non-resident status since early 2024, which tax forms should be used if I am indeed required to file? 


Thank you in advance for your help.

    1 reply

    Level 15
    April 9, 2026

    From your information, you are not required to file a US tax return for tax year 2025.

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