Tax Return Transcripts

[CheeseQuavers 0]

Ok, so I only just realized less than a week(ish) ago that I had to file my Tax Returns in the USA, despite living abroad... (why don't they include that information in a handy little packet when you move out there?! It'd have made this sooo much easier!)

Anywho, the I-864 requires a transcript of the last 3 years tax returns (I didn't have to file for 2006 or 2009 as I didn't make any money), but my question is...What is a transcript? How long will it take for me to receive a transcript of the taxes (2007 & 2008 being sent) once I file my tax returns?

We are actually filing for "DCF" but I was told I might get more advice over onto this board. We have the I-130 petition filled out and ready to send off, but we don't want to send it in if we'll be delayed in sending the next step off because of the tax return transcripts!

Any advice would be much appreciated!

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Transcripts are printouts of your tax returns. Includes all w-2/1099/1040/schedules used.

I called and got mine faxed over in 20 mins.

However, if you haven't sent them in - they won't have them in the system as soon as you think - so you will have to do it the old fashion way (copies of your returns/w-2's)

[jkminney 30]

Transcripts are printouts of your tax returns. Includes all w-2/1099/1040/schedules used.

I called and got mine faxed over in 20 mins.

However, if you haven't sent them in - they won't have them in the system as soon as you think - so you will have to do it the old fashion way (copies of your returns/w-2's)

I was also under the impression that even if you dont make any money you still have to file some sort of information with the IRS stating exactly that...maybe it's an exemption form or something. If you haven't filed anything for those years there's nothing for them to send to you...meaning NO TRANSCRIPTS.

[Anh map 2,098]

I recall other VJ members going through the London embassy who needed to file past returns used the IRS services at the London embassy. According to those posters they were able to file the I-864 using the copies of the returns rather than the required transcripts.

Contact the IRS office at the embassy >>> http://www.usembassy.org.uk/irs/index.htm

[CheeseQuavers 0]

I recall other VJ members going through the London embassy who needed to file past returns used the IRS services at the London embassy. According to those posters they were able to file the I-864 using the copies of the returns rather than the required transcripts.

Contact the IRS office at the embassy >>> http://www.usembassy.org.uk/irs/index.htm

Thanks guys! I emailed the IRS in london, as I have never gotten through via the phone and I live too far from London to merit a day trip for this.

I hope I can just make copies of my tax returns as they are! DH and I were just about to file I-130 this week! I don't want to be stuck waiting for my transcripts to come through!

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

If you ever filed US income taxes before, you are "in the system." Assuming you didn't have a sugar daddy before 2008, you must have lived off of some kind of income. Even if so, it's important to file for zero income, as no filing may also be seen as . . . well . . . haven't filed yet.

Keep in mind that Uncle Sam loves you. But he expects two things of you:

1) to die eventually

2) to pay your taxes

Edited January 11, 2010 by Just Bob

[Christi and Ian 24]

I had my tax transcripts faxed to me 3 days before my trip to the U.K., and waited on the phone w/the IRS agent while she was sending them over...

[Ashes 0]

Casandra,

I'm in the same situation as you. I didn't know I had to file tax returns on income earned abroad.

Normally tax transcripts aren't required until the NVC stage so you can go ahead and send in the I-130 petition and then work on back filing your taxes and awaiting the tax transcripts - but I don't know how this would work with DCF.

From my research, you can go ahead and back file on taxes for previous years since Uncle Sam needs to know you're out there. If you earned below the taxable amount (I believe $80K/year is the latest figure) then you do NOT owe taxes but HAVE to file

Below is some helpful contact information from the IRS website - be prepared to hold on a long time if you call them but they are very helpful. I'm going to be sending my backfiled taxes soon as well - they said it takes about 2 months to receive the tax transcript. Again, you might want to call them up yourself and verify.

The IRS Office in Philadelphia provides international tax assistance. This office is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. EST and can be contacted by:

• Phone: 1 (215) 516-2000 (not toll-free)

• FAX:1 (215) 516-2555

• Email: Email the IRS

• Mail: Internal Revenue Service

P.O. Box 920

Bensalem, PA 19020

USA

Edited January 12, 2010 by Ashes