As a non-resident (Jan-Oct) I had $20K from non-US sources. As a resident (Oct-Dec) I had no income at all. Do I still need to file Dual Status Tax Returns?

[tokiwoki]

In October 2018 I got my green card, and since then onwards I am a resident tax payer. Before October, I am considered as a non-resident tax payer. In August I received $20K in income from non-US sources. Do I still have to file for Dual Status Tax Returns?

[LinaJ2018]

Yes, you do.  Even you have zeros in your income, you are still required to report to show to the IRS.  

On your Form 1040, you will enter all zeros ( residents are required to report worldwide income and if you do not have any), then attach a statement (and the easiest to use is a 1040NR) for your income as a nonresident alien, even if it has all zeros.  So basically you will submit both the Form 1040 and 1040 NR to the IRS.  You will write on the top of the Form 1040 "Dual-Status Statement".  See DualStatus under "What and Where To File for a Dual-Status Year".

[Edited 3/26/2019 4:08PM]

[tokiwoki]

Hi Lina, Thanks for your answer. My income is all zeros during the part of the year when I am resident. When I am non-resident, my income is $20K from non-US sources. I believe your answer didnt fully answer my question.

[LinaJ2018]

When you are a nonresident, you only report US source income.  Since you do not have any US source income, you would enter all zeros on your Form 1040-NR.  Please see my edited answer above.

[tokiwoki]

Thanks Lina!

[LinaJ2018]

You are welcome!