Tax return - 1 year vs three

[Kittyfang 6]

I was working on the Affidavit of support and notice that it is optional to send the last three years. What's the difference between sending the latest year and the pass three years?

[Kittyfang 6]

I was working on the Affidavit of support and notice that it is optional to send the last three years. What's the difference between sending the latest year and the pass three years?

Just to clarify. We have a joint-sponsor. We've already used the taxes from the last three years as proof of relationship. So, I'm wondering if I can send only the last year for my husband (sponsor) and his mother (joint-sponsor).

[trailmix 77]

I was working on the Affidavit of support and notice that it is optional to send the last three years. What's the difference between sending the latest year and the pass three years?

The difference is 2 years.

But seriously, 1 year is mandatory, 3 is optional. If you think it would be of benefit to send 3, send 3, if not, then don't.

[Kittyfang 6]

The difference is 2 years.

But seriously, 1 year is mandatory, 3 is optional. If you think it would be of benefit to send 3, send 3, if not, then don't.

I decided to send 3 years for our Joint-Sponsor and only 1 for my husband. Still not sure why you have the option of 1 or 3 years. But since our Joint-Sponsor's income is at least 125% above the poverty limit for 3 years, I figured it can't hurt.

[trailmix 77]

Still not sure why you have the option of 1 or 3 years. But since our Joint-Sponsor's income is at least 125% above the poverty limit for 3 years, I figured it can't hurt.

The answer to your question is on page 8 of the I-864 instructions:

25. Federal Income Tax Information.

You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years.

[Kittyfang 6]

The answer to your question is on page 8 of the I-864 instructions:

25. Federal Income Tax Information.

You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years.

Well that's the thing. We can't with my husband. That's why we're having a joint sponsor. Her latest taxes show that her income is above 125% of the poverty limit. I'm just wondering why, if the latest year is good enough, would you show three years?

But like I said, I included 3 years for the joint sponsor, just in case.

Edited June 8, 2010 by Kittyfang

[trailmix 77]

Well, it may not be good enough. Not for you, but generally.

Let's say there is a sponsor and they only earned 130% of the poverty guidelines in 2009, because of a period of unemployment or maybe they went to school for a few months, whatever the reason.

However let's say in 2007 and 2008 they were gainfully employed the entire year.

In a case such as that it would be in their best interests to submit 3 years worth of tax returns. If last years return is borderline, by providing two others, it shows a strong history of income.

[Kittyfang 6]

Well, it may not be good enough. Not for you, but generally.

Let's say there is a sponsor and they only earned 130% of the poverty guidelines in 2009, because of a period of unemployment or maybe they went to school for a few months, whatever the reason.

However let's say in 2007 and 2008 they were gainfully employed the entire year.

In a case such as that it would be in their best interests to submit 3 years worth of tax returns. If last years return is borderline, by providing two others, it shows a strong history of income.

Mmm I think I see what you mean. Well, for the past 3 years, from some quick math, she's been at around 200% above the poverty limit. Is that good enough? I mean, her income has stayed roughly the same and she hasn't been unemployed for at least 30 years.

[Bern. 3]

We only sent one. No problems.

[Kittyfang 6]

We only sent one. No problems.

Awesome! Thank you for the input!

I'm sending 3 because... well, because I have the last three years available lol. Our Joint sponsor is about 8-10k above the 125% thingy. So, I'm hoping it will be enough for them. She has other things I guess, like houses she rents out, but it's really complicated to figure out, so we're not including them. I'm hoping the work income alone will be good enough. But like I said, she's about 8-10k above what is required. Here's hoping.

Edited June 9, 2010 by Kittyfang

[BinhJerome 14]

It is what it is, you are lucky you are not going through a really tough consulate, so for you to have extra proof is an option for you, and that is what the difference is, if you were needing to prove then you whould do three years worth, what does it hurt? Not a dang thing. The question to me is simply a preference call, and you already know the answer you wanted as you have clearly stated what you already did, so why ask the question? If you want us to support your decision that is fine, because you are the one that has to make such a decision, not us. How serious are you about the visa? If you are very serious I would reccomend doing 3 years worth, after all you said you did on one already, so what is the harm in doing it on both? It is what it is. Jerome

[thongd4me 69]

I was working on the Affidavit of support and notice that it is optional to send the last three years. What's the difference between sending the latest year and the pass three years?

They may accept 1 year but 3 is better; shows consistent earnings.

Since transcripts are FREE from the IRS, they may ask why you didn't give 3.

Remember to black out your SSN from every page of the transcripts; the

fewer eyes that see it the better; you will be required to put in on

some of the immigration forms, but anywhere else avoid that.

[Kittyfang 6]

It is what it is, you are lucky you are not going through a really tough consulate, so for you to have extra proof is an option for you, and that is what the difference is, if you were needing to prove then you whould do three years worth, what does it hurt? Not a dang thing. The question to me is simply a preference call, and you already know the answer you wanted as you have clearly stated what you already did, so why ask the question? If you want us to support your decision that is fine, because you are the one that has to make such a decision, not us. How serious are you about the visa? If you are very serious I would reccomend doing 3 years worth, after all you said you did on one already, so what is the harm in doing it on both? It is what it is. Jerome

Well, I've already "done" it as in "the paperwork is put together and waiting on my desk at home". It's not like I can't change anything.

They may accept 1 year but 3 is better; shows consistent earnings.

Since transcripts are FREE from the IRS, they may ask why you didn't give 3.

Remember to black out your SSN from every page of the transcripts; the

fewer eyes that see it the better; you will be required to put in on

some of the immigration forms, but anywhere else avoid that.

Thx! I totally did not think about blacking things out. I will try to keep that in mind.