london interview checklist

[mr and mrs 187]

the omniscient and benevolent nich-nick posted the following link in another thread. i found it helpful so i thought id add it to this discussion.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/docs169.html

[Laura+Tom 2]

the omniscient and benevolent nich-nick posted the following link in another thread. i found it helpful so i thought id add it to this discussion.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/docs169.html

That information is also given in the link provided in Packet 3.

[mr and mrs 187]

the omniscient and benevolent nich-nick posted the following link in another thread. i found it helpful so i thought id add it to this discussion.

http://www.usembassy.org.uk/cons_new/visa/iv/docs169.html

That information is also given in the link provided in Packet 3.

oh good!

[laura819 0]

Ok, I just read on Captain Ewoks post on the Embassy thread that tax returns need to be notarised. Is this right?

It's so confusing knowing what to get notorised & what not to!!

No one that has been to the London embassy for K-1 interviews ever reported that they showed notarized tax returns in support of the I-134. They do not need to be notarized. Just make sure they are a true copy (meaning signed) and be sure to include the W-2s. That is it.

when you say it has to be signed, I can send a photocopy of the tax return for past years, even if the signature is part of the photocopy right? sorry because i feel like i'm being unclear...

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

when you say it has to be signed, I can send a photocopy of the tax return for past years, even if the signature is part of the photocopy right? sorry because i feel like i'm being unclear...

Why don't you just get tax transcipts free from the IRS. Fax this form in. Form 4506T You can get 3 years of returns and will have them for AOS application. You want to check box 6a in the request. The proper fax number is listed on the last page by state. Mine came in a week in the mail. You can also call it in and ask it to be mailed or faxed to you. 1-800-829-1040. A transcript is even better than submitting a tax return and it's FREE.

You won't be able to get a 2008 transcript yet probably unless you already filed a long time ago. It wouldn't hurt to order one and see if its available.

So if sending a tax return send a photocopy of

--your signed 1040 (or 1040A or 1040 EZ)

--any W2 statements that go with that return (and 1099s if they show income, but not as common for most people)

--any schedules that are part of your return (Schedule A, B, D, etc if you had to complete those for your income. Not all do.)

OR

Send an IRS tax transcipt and nothing else with it. (I would make a photocopy for him to turn in so he can bring original back)

I agree with MARM...no notarization required for taxes.

[laura819 0]

when you say it has to be signed, I can send a photocopy of the tax return for past years, even if the signature is part of the photocopy right? sorry because i feel like i'm being unclear...

Why don't you just get tax transcipts free from the IRS. Fax this form in. Form 4506T You can get 3 years of returns and will have them for AOS application. You want to check box 6a in the request. The proper fax number is listed on the last page by state. Mine came in a week in the mail. You can also call it in and ask it to be mailed or faxed to you. 1-800-829-1040. A transcript is even better than submitting a tax return and it's FREE.

You won't be able to get a 2008 transcript yet probably unless you already filed a long time ago. It wouldn't hurt to order one and see if its available.

So if sending a tax return send a photocopy of

--your signed 1040 (or 1040A or 1040 EZ)

--any W2 statements that go with that return (and 1099s if they show income, but not as common for most people)

--any schedules that are part of your return (Schedule A, B, D, etc if you had to complete those for your income. Not all do.)

OR

Send an IRS tax transcipt and nothing else with it. (I would make a photocopy for him to turn in so he can bring original back)

I agree with MARM...no notarization required for taxes.

Well basically, what it comes down to is the time it takes to get the transcripts from the IRS. If it is as easy as calling and they fax them immediately, then great, but if not, it's much easier to make copies of what my dad has on the second floor of the house I am currently in, isn't it? We have everything needed to do that in my house, so...

So what I am asking now I guess is, if I call them and have them fax the forms, will they do it immediately? And how is this easier than making copies of what I already have?

Sorry for being so difficult

Edited March 25, 2009 by laura819

[Laura+Tom 2]

It's whatever is easiest for you. The embassy will accept photocopies of either the transcript or return. Whatever you decide to use, if it's easier for you to photocopy returns, do that.

[mr and mrs 187]

what i did is this:

i ordered the tax transcripts (by phone) (took a week or so?)

i scanned them, uploaded them, and sent them via email over the big blue ocean to jamie

since we have the time, i will also send him the originals (which are not fancy at all, just a print out). they say they will accept photocopies of the tax information and notarization is no longer needed.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

It's whatever is easiest for you. The embassy will accept photocopies of either the transcript or return. Whatever you decide to use, if it's easier for you to photocopy returns, do that.

Agreed. Whatever is easiest for you. I only mentioned the transcripts because I see alot of RFEs (especially in AOS because people don't send a complete return for the most recent year that they have a return. The leave off the W2s or say "I sent the W2s and got a RFE. Do you think I should have sent the 1040 also??" With a transcript you have the whole deal in one document and it's sorta certified by the IRS as true because it's from the IRS records. I thought you had plenty of time since you just got NOA2. My transcripts were received in 4 days, but it's tax season now so they have alot of other things going on and could take longer.

[laura819 0]

It's whatever is easiest for you. The embassy will accept photocopies of either the transcript or return. Whatever you decide to use, if it's easier for you to photocopy returns, do that.

Agreed. Whatever is easiest for you. I only mentioned the transcripts because I see alot of RFEs (especially in AOS because people don't send a complete return for the most recent year that they have a return. The leave off the W2s or say "I sent the W2s and got a RFE. Do you think I should have sent the 1040 also??" With a transcript you have the whole deal in one document and it's sorta certified by the IRS as true because it's from the IRS records. I thought you had plenty of time since you just got NOA2. My transcripts were received in 4 days, but it's tax season now so they have alot of other things going on and could take longer.

I probably do have plenty of time, I just want to know all of my options! My dad is mega-organized and I believe he has W2s and Tax return (thats the 1040 right?) for both myself and him for all recent years. I just am trying to make this the easiest for HIM, since I am assuming if I call the IRS for transcripts, my dad would need to call for his? He's super busy so I am just trying to save him frustration on the phone But if they really do fax the information immediately, then I might go that route anyway, because like you said, atleast its sorta certified! haha.

[MonkeyJuice 3]

As all the accountants are in the busy end of year season. What if for people who are probably gonna get an end of April interview & 2008 tax returns/W2's haven't arrived? I have the 2007 documents but I'm just really worried about the 2008 ones.

Would we have to re-schedule the interview?

[Laura+Tom 2]

As all the accountants are in the busy end of year season. What if for people who are probably gonna get an end of April interview & 2008 tax returns/W2's haven't arrived? I have the 2007 documents but I'm just really worried about the 2008 ones.

Would we have to re-schedule the interview?

You would probably be approved pending additional financial documentation.

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

As all the accountants are in the busy end of year season. What if for people who are probably gonna get an end of April interview & 2008 tax returns/W2's haven't arrived? I have the 2007 documents but I'm just really worried about the 2008 ones.

Would we have to re-schedule the interview?

It's that "toss-up" time of year about whether to call 2007 your latest return or 2008 which is due April 15. Shaz took a 2007 complete return as the latest from Todd, but also a copy of his 2008 W2 just to have something else that showed current income, kinda like showing a paystub. I don't think he had completed his 2008 return at the time she was preparing. So MJ are you saying all of your 2008 tax documents have been sent out to an accountant and they won't get them back to you until last minute? I do my own taxes on Turbo Tax so have all my stuff. I think technically the date the USC signs the I-134, it's the latest tax return at that time. So if the I-134 was signed before April 15, you could argue that 2007 was the latest return. If you've got two weeks, I would personally wait on 2008 documentation. One thing you really want to get right with the Embassy in London is the Affidavit of Support in my opinion. You can print pictures and chat logs and wear an engagement ring if you like, but London is going to look over you support documentation carefully, so that's the thing I would stress over getting done well.

Laura819, you mentioned your Dad needing to get his tax things copied..so I'm assuming he's going to be a co-sponsor. In that case, dont forget to send a photocopy proof of his legal status in the US with his I-134 (US passport bio page or US birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card.) That's for the co-sponsor only.

Edited March 25, 2009 by Nich-Nick

[laura819 0]

As all the accountants are in the busy end of year season. What if for people who are probably gonna get an end of April interview & 2008 tax returns/W2's haven't arrived? I have the 2007 documents but I'm just really worried about the 2008 ones.

Would we have to re-schedule the interview?

It's that "toss-up" time of year about whether to call 2007 your latest return or 2008 which is due April 15. Shaz took a 2007 complete return as the latest from Todd, but also a copy of his 2008 W2 just to have something else that showed current income, kinda like showing a paystub. I don't think he had completed his 2008 return at the time she was preparing. So MJ are you saying all of your 2008 tax documents have been sent out to an accountant and they won't get them back to you until last minute? I do my own taxes on Turbo Tax so have all my stuff. I think technically the date the USC signs the I-134, it's the latest tax return at that time. So if the I-134 was signed before April 15, you could argue that 2007 was the latest return. If you've got two weeks, I would personally wait on 2008 documentation. One thing you really want to get right with the Embassy in London is the Affidavit of Support in my opinion. You can print pictures and chat logs and wear an engagement ring if you like, but London is going to look over you support documentation carefully, so that's the thing I would stress over getting done well.

Laura819, you mentioned your Dad needing to get his tax things copied..so I'm assuming he's going to be a co-sponsor. In that case, dont forget to send a photocopy proof of his legal status in the US with his I-134 (US passport bio page or US birth certificate, naturalization papers, green card.) That's for the co-sponsor only.

Yes, either he, or my mom (they file taxes jointly) will be the co sponsor...my dad is a lawyer who has his own practice, so I am guessing having my mom be the co-sponsor (she works for a school) might be easier, as she has W2's, and my dad says he does not. Thank you for the reminder about the passport page

[Stinky Monkey 1]

Just as Nick Nick said at the time of my interview Todd had not done the tax return for 2008 as he had only just received his W2, they can not expect you to have it as it is not officially required till the 15th April, if my interview was after this date I am sure that they would have wanted to see it. I took W2's and tax returns from 2005 and they handed them back to me and just took the latest copies of both