IRS tax returns vs. transcripts

[LeprechaunSean 0]

It just came to my mind the other day that I haven't recieved any kind of a receipt from the IRS for filing my last three years taxes, which I did last month. Now I've been under the impression that my copies of my tax returns-which I have from when I filed- weren't good enough for the I-864 at the interview, that I needed to have IRS-generated copies/receipts/transcripts (whatever nomenclature they use) But the IRS gentleman on the phone assured me that the copies I had were no different than what he would send me, and would be sufficient for my immigration needs.

So.....is he on crack?

[Malrothien 6]

You do not receive receipts for filing taxes in the US like you do in Canada. You can either take the copies of your returns plus whatever slips you used on those returns, OR you can order transcripts for free from the IRS.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

You do not receive receipts for filing taxes in the US like you do in Canada. You can either take the copies of your returns plus whatever slips you used on those returns, OR you can order transcripts for free from the IRS.

So I don't need an IRS-generated copy. That's how I read it too.

[Malrothien 6]

I had transcripts for 2006/2007 and a copy of my 1040 and 2555EZ for 2008 and my AOS was accepted (aside from domicile information).

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Page 8 of the I-864 step by step instructions say you need "either an IRS transcript OR a photocopy from your own records of your federal income tax return..." I've got the copies from HR block for the last three years, that'll be good enough. I just feel better when someone confirms it.....

[Dakine 26]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

Does it cost anything to get a transcript?

[Malrothien 6]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

Does it cost anything to get a transcript?

If you read my first post, I said it's free.

[LeprechaunSean 0]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

Does it cost anything to get a transcript?

If you read my first post, I said it's free.

Sorry Mal, I'm blind and I sometimes miss things on my brail computer....

[Malrothien 6]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

Does it cost anything to get a transcript?

If you read my first post, I said it's free.

Sorry Mal, I'm blind and I sometimes miss things on my brail computer....

[lgg 2]

Hahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Brail computer....

[LeprechaunSean 0]

B)

[Dakine 26]

Tax transcripts are more valid as they showed you files.

Returns only mean you filled out the forms. Doesn't mean you mailed them in to IRS.

I've seen USCIS may require transcripts in the near future. Especially for self employed.

Does it cost anything to get a transcript?

Call 24/7 800 829 1040. Free and takes about 1 week by snail mail . You can have them faxed to you the same time you call if you call during business hours. Free ALSO.

[simistar 2]

My husband basically did the same thing as you...

He filed three year's worth of taxes in September...

I know on the instructions (sorry I don't have them near me right now) it says something about having a receipt or transcript from the IRS to prove that you actually filed the papers, and that you just didn't fill them out for the fun of it

Again, sorry, I can't remember the exact phrase/words in the instructions...

BUT, my husband asked his accountant (in the US) about this when he was filing, and the accountant had to fill out a special form requesting this receipt/transcript/whatever it's called from the IRS...

Of course we didn't get anything back from the IRS before my interview and I was concerned about it, but figured at worst we'd get an RFE and provide it when we did get it.

Anywaaaay, it never came up! Interviewer didn't care or didn't ask....not sure if that was just this particular interviewer, but I would guess that they won't ask you about it...and if they do...you can always provide it later (though yes, this would delay things a bit...)

Point is, you probably don't need it...we didn't :-)

In fact, we just got something in the mail from the IRS a couple days ago saying they need more info before they can process our request... go figure:-)

Edited October 29, 2009 by simistar