L1 Visa - Tax Question

[clubfredd]

Hi All,

Here is my situation:
I'm on an L1 visa and have been in the US from March - Dec 09 (for Tax Purposes). Foreign company is still paying my salary, no salary from the US company. I read in the 1040 Instructions that if I file jointly with my wife, my gross income should at least be $18700.

Now for my questions:
1. What if my gross income is less than that (obviously because I am paid by the foreign company), do I still need to file taxes?
2. Do I need a W2 from the US company when I'm not being paid here?

Thank you in advance!

[shervin143]

You are in L1, which is a work visa. You need to file your returns (It could be zero dollars, you still need to file the returns). Also, it is very important for future visa stamping.