Do nonresident aliens who own property in the US need to fill out a tax return?

[aussie traveller]

Hello everyone,
I purchased a vacant block of land in the Holy Cross region in New
Orleans in December 2013. I was advised that I may have to apply for a
social security number and fill out a US tax return because I now own
property in the USA. I am an Australian citizen, I earn no money on the block of land, and I have never
worked or earned money in the USA, I was just there on vacation when I
purchased the piece of land. I do not have an ITIN and I do not have a
bank account in the USA.
I have attempted to contact the IRS about this issue, and they have
not been helpful. I believe, from doing my own research, that I may
have to submit form 'W-7 Application for IRS ITIN', and form '1040NR
US Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return', but I have had no
confirmation regarding this.
The US system is completely bewildering to me, and any help would be
greatly appreciated. I do not have a phone, so it is best to contact
me via email.
Thank you for your time,
- Brenna Quinlan

 

[Samir]

How did this 'purchase' happen? Was title registered in your name? Do you have to pay the property taxes? Does a title search show you as the owner?

I'm afraid you may have been swindled out of your money, especially in that part of the country.