I-134 Taxes: How much info is too much?

[ELW 5]

I have a question about the tax requirements regarding the I-134 Affidavit of Support. I was living in India for 21 years and just got back last year. I was just volunteering (with Non-Government Org’s) while in India and my parents supported me most of that time, by sending $200-$400 per year for my expenses (which was plenty!). For my last few years in India, I received an honorarium (of about $125 per month) for my work at an animal clinic. It is even stamped in my passport that I could work at that place – however the Indian government said I couldn’t have a work visa, as the amount was too small to be considered as ‘salary’.

Anyway, I have never filed tax returns in my life (first time will be by April 2007)! For the last one year however, I have a good job and am above the 125% required income – so I can provide the employer’s letter, pay stubs, bank info etc., with no problem.

My question is, when I write the written explanation saying why I had no legal duty to file tax returns, how detailed should it be? Should I just state that I was earning no money for 21 years and therefore had no legal duty to pay taxes, or should I go into details of how I provided for my expenses all that time? Any suggestions would be appreciated!