Tax Transcripts vs. Tax Returns for I-134

[MARM 7]

My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's

If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!

-MARM

[pushbrk 12,883]

My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's

If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!

-MARM

You got it right.

[YuAndDan 153]

My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's

If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!

-MARM

You got it right.

I second that, The consulates treat the I-134 like a mini I-864 so use the same document standards at the I-864 or I-864EZ.

I-864EZ Page 5

If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099

that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864EZ.pdf

[toma1 10]

My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's

If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!

-MARM

You got it right.

I second that, The consulates treat the I-134 like a mini I-864 so use the same document standards at the I-864 or I-864EZ.

I-864EZ Page 5

If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099

that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864EZ.pdf

My fiancee's interview is Monday and I didn't realize that the W2s were required for a K1. Is there any way the embassy may approve her without them?

[toma1 10]

My co-sponsor is not self-employed, but she will still be including tax returns OR tax transcripts for the past 3 years with her I-134 for my fiance.

My question is, what is the difference between tax transcripts and tax returns?

If she chooses to include tax transcripts (by requesting them from the IRS for past 3 years) will she need to include her W-2s?

My understanding is this:

If including tax transcripts, there is no need for W-2's/1099's

If including tax returns, then need to include W-2's/1099's

Someone correct me please if I am wrong or reassure me that if she is going to include tax transcripts (ordered by IRS), she will not need to include W-2s/1099s.

Thanks!

-MARM

You got it right.

I second that, The consulates treat the I-134 like a mini I-864 so use the same document standards at the I-864 or I-864EZ.

I-864EZ Page 5

If you provide a photocopy of your tax return(s), you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099

that relates to your return(s). Do not include copies of these Forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your return(s) rather than a photocopy.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864EZ.pdf

My fiancee's interview is Monday and I didn't realize that the W2s were required for a K1. Is there any way the embassy may approve her without them?

OK, I have them. I am going to scan and email them right now!

But it would seem like the letter from my employer would be enough. I'm not even remotely close to the income limits.

[YuAndDan 153]

My fiancee's interview is Monday and I didn't realize that the W2s were required for a K1. Is there any way the embassy may approve her without them?

OK, I have them. I am going to scan and email them right now!

But it would seem like the letter from my employer would be enough. I'm not even remotely close to the income limits.

W2 and/or 1099 are required to prove the numbers on the 1040, OR simply scan and email the IRS transcripts.

[toma1 10]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

[pushbrk 12,883]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".

[toma1 10]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".

Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)

W-2 here. Also

attach Forms

W-2G and

1099-R if tax

was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?

[MARM 7]

Sorry to barge in with a totally different question, but:

Basically, co-sponsor that is married and files taxes jointly BUT is co-sponsoring based on just HER INCOME:

1. Just IRS tax transcripts fine?

OR

2. IRS tax transcripts+ her W-2s?

I am trying not to make things more complicated for myself, but this question is bothering me.

[pushbrk 12,883]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".

Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)

W-2 here. Also

attach Forms

W-2G and

1099-R if tax

was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?

I get your point but the point of including a tax return is to to support your claimed income. Anybody can fill out a 1040 and if you want to fake your income, just add some "other income" for which you don't include 1099's. (for the I-134 not the actual tax return) If there's no evidence of income, the IRS would believe you. (They have any actual 1099's anyway but even if there were none, if you're willing to pay the taxes, they'll believe you had the income.) A transcript works the same way. USCIS or Consular officers will believe income in a transcript because if you were willing to pay tax on it, they're willing to believe it was real.

A 1040 alone proves nothing. If you have 1099 income, a 1040 with only W2's only proves part of the income, so include the 1099's as well or use a transcript. Consular officers may question a tax return that doesn't include evidence of all income claimed. Remember, that's the point, to prove the income being claimed.

[toma1 10]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".

Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)

W-2 here. Also

attach Forms

W-2G and

1099-R if tax

was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?

I get your point but the point of including a tax return is to to support your claimed income. Anybody can fill out a 1040 and if you want to fake your income, just add some "other income" for which you don't include 1099's. (for the I-134 not the actual tax return) If there's no evidence of income, the IRS would believe you. (They have any actual 1099's anyway but even if there were none, if you're willing to pay the taxes, they'll believe you had the income.) A transcript works the same way. USCIS or Consular officers will believe income in a transcript because if you were willing to pay tax on it, they're willing to believe it was real.

A 1040 alone proves nothing. If you have 1099 income, a 1040 with only W2's only proves part of the income, so include the 1099's as well or use a transcript. Consular officers may question a tax return that doesn't include evidence of all income claimed. Remember, that's the point, to prove the income being claimed.

Very good point. Yes, I see how that could be an issue if you had very little W2 income. However if one has six+ figures of W2 income the 1099 income should not cause an issue at the embassy, since the return itself already meets both the letter (entire tax return included) and spirit (enough income is proved) of the law in that case. Correct?

The strange thing is that you seem to have thought more about this issue than the OMB person that created the I-134 form, which states:

C. If self-employed:

1. Copy of last income tax return filed; or

2. Report of commercial rating concern.

Which means that even in the case of someone being totally self-employed, they are not asking for proper documentation in the instructions.

[pushbrk 12,883]

I don't need to enclose all of my 1099s from consulting, do I? My income from my employer is WAY more than sufficient to prove I have enough income. In addition, the 1099s were not required as a part of my 1040 tax submission to the IRS because tax was not withheld, so I am just sending the forms that were a part of the 1040 as the 1040 is all they requested.

Also they only requested the most recent tax year in packet 3, so I only sent that.

You undoubtedly remember the counsel to read carefully, interpret literally and respond accurately. They did not request a 1040. The request is for a tax return. A tax return is not complete without the W2's and 1099's. Yes, if your W2 has substancially more income than the minimum, you'll probably get by.

Let this be a lesson to other readers. Transcripts or complete tax returns including all supporting documentation.

"1040" is not a literal interpretation of "tax return".

Haha, yes... OK I've sent all of my actual tax return now.

However 1099s are not necessarily part of the tax return. The 1099 form says:

Attach Form(s)

W-2 here. Also

attach Forms

W-2G and

1099-R if tax

was withheld.

(emphasis added)

That's why I assume that I don't need the 1099s that were not attached to the actual return that was mailed to the IRS.

Is that correct?

I get your point but the point of including a tax return is to to support your claimed income. Anybody can fill out a 1040 and if you want to fake your income, just add some "other income" for which you don't include 1099's. (for the I-134 not the actual tax return) If there's no evidence of income, the IRS would believe you. (They have any actual 1099's anyway but even if there were none, if you're willing to pay the taxes, they'll believe you had the income.) A transcript works the same way. USCIS or Consular officers will believe income in a transcript because if you were willing to pay tax on it, they're willing to believe it was real.

A 1040 alone proves nothing. If you have 1099 income, a 1040 with only W2's only proves part of the income, so include the 1099's as well or use a transcript. Consular officers may question a tax return that doesn't include evidence of all income claimed. Remember, that's the point, to prove the income being claimed.

Very good point. Yes, I see how that could be an issue if you had very little W2 income. However if one has six+ figures of W2 income the 1099 income should not cause an issue at the embassy, since the return itself already meets both the letter (entire tax return included) and spirit (enough income is proved) of the law in that case. Correct?

The strange thing is that you seem to have thought more about this issue than the OMB person that created the I-134 form, which states:

C. If self-employed:

1. Copy of last income tax return filed; or

2. Report of commercial rating concern.

Which means that even in the case of someone being totally self-employed, they are not asking for proper documentation in the instructions.

I already confirmed you'd be ok with just the W2 because it was more than sufficient.

The I-134 is a USCIS form that is no longer used by them. Consular officers can ask for whatever they want. They are not bound in the least by USCIS standards from decades ago.

[RYCK 0]

my usc fiance just sent me her W-2's sso what your saying is thats fine or do i need more?

[pushbrk 12,883]

my usc fiance just sent me her W-2's sso what your saying is thats fine or do i need more?

You need her complete tax return including all schedules and supporting documentation. Three is better than one and tax transcripts are better than returns. Transcripts stand alone. No other supporting tax documentation is needed. The other poster sent the complete return with the W2's but didn't include the 1099's. Most people don't have any 1099's.

Edited December 7, 2008 by pushbrk