Do I still have to file for taxes if I haven't earned any money during 2016? I'm here on a non-immigrant visa (J-1).

[malbath1]

I successfully filed for tax return through turbotax last year.

[bine22]

since when are you in the US on J1? is it a student or nonstudent visa?

[malbath1]

I've been on a J1 since Oct 2014 and have filed for tax returns for 2014 and 2015.

[malbath1]

I just haven't received any pay for the period between Jan-Dec 2016, so my employer has not provided me with a W-2 form for that period.

[bine22]

is it a student or nonstudent visa?

[malbath1]

It's a non-student non-immigrant exchange visitor visa for academic scholars.

[malbath1]

I am not tax exempt. My employer covers my health insurance and withholds federal and state taxes on my behalf.

[bine22 · Accepted solution]

If you have not earned any income in 2016 you do not need to file a return. However, any income, no matter the source (including income from abroad) would be reportable in the US, if you meet the substantial presence tet.

 For 2015 you were a nonresident alien (the first two years on J1 you area nonresident alien) and would have had to file form 1040NR or 1040NR-EZ plus form 8843. Since these are not supported by Turbotax, you most likely filed the wrong return for 2015 and will need to amend.

[malbath1]

Thank you! Your answer is very helpful. I do want to clarify that I have been present in the US since 2013, but on a different type of visa (F-2 student visa) and have met the criteria for resident alien in 2015, and that is how I filed. Thanks again!