Filling taxes for 2012 while abroad

[RMART 2]

2 Quick Questions:

1. If i have lived abroad and haven't worked since dec 2011, do i need to file taxes for 2012?

2. My parents are co sponsors and I submitted their taxes with the i864 last year. We are scheduled for an interview at the end of April so do i need copies of their 2012 taxes for the interview as well?

Thank you.

[Boggy1974 124]

1. You can file taxes with zero (0) income. Many years ago in college I filed taxes with 0 income (1040EZ form).

2. Deadline for filing 2012 taxes is April 15th 2013 UNLESS one gets an EXTENSION. So technically, one will not have a tax transcript until after that date. But you can bring a copy of your parent's personal returns that they filed with you to the interview.

Edited March 14, 2013 by Boggy1974

[The Mean Lady 604]

Upon interview -post april 15th- You will be required to bring with you a letter from yourself stating why you are not required to file taxes for 2012 (because you had no income) and also your parent's 2012 tax transcripts.

Since you are end of april, you will most likely only be able to provide copies of their W2 and 1040s since transcripts won't come back in time.

[RMART 2]

Thank you for clearing that up.

@KDH -Does the letter have to be in any particular format or just 2 lines explaining that i live abroad and made no money therefore didn't file..and sign?

[The Mean Lady 604]

Thank you for clearing that up.

@KDH -Does the letter have to be in any particular format or just 2 lines explaining that i live abroad and made no money therefore didn't file..and sign?

not sure

havent seen specifics but i gather it should at least be formally written

not just some chicken scratch on notebook paper

[RMART 2]

Thanks!