Question about N-400

[ggbr 0]

I am filling out the N-400 3-year/marriage-based. I had a job for the 1st 1 1/2 years and have been unemployed for the past 1 1/2 years. What should I write on Part 6B for my employment history? Is it better to put unemployed or self employed? I would like to know what others have put down who were in similar situations.

[Brother Hesekiel 2,236]

I am filling out the N-400 3-year/marriage-based. I had a job for the 1st 1 1/2 years and have been unemployed for the past 1 1/2 years. What should I write on Part 6B for my employment history? Is it better to put unemployed or self employed? I would like to know what others have put down who were in similar situations.

How 'bout the truth?

You list your employment history for the first 18 months, and for the last 18 months you write unemployed.

Why would you even consider making a false statement such as "self employed" on an N-400 application where you at the same time submit tax transcripts that document that you would be lying? You know, even negative income, meaning loss, is imprinted on the tax transcripts. If you were unemployed, write unemployed, not self employed, unless you were self employed, and filed your taxes stating self employed, had a business license and submitted 1099 income or loss.

Becoming a US citizen has nothing to do with how much money you made. But not becoming a US citizen has a lot to do with lying on the N-400 applications. Don't be stupid for no reason.

[NickD 203]

How 'bout the truth?

You list your employment history for the first 18 months, and for the last 18 months you write unemployed.

Why would you even consider making a false statement such as "self employed" on an N-400 application where you at the same time submit tax transcripts that document that you would be lying? You know, even negative income, meaning loss, is imprinted on the tax transcripts. If you were unemployed, write unemployed, not self employed, unless you were self employed, and filed your taxes stating self employed, had a business license and submitted 1099 income or loss.

Becoming a US citizen has nothing to do with how much money you made. But not becoming a US citizen has a lot to do with lying on the N-400 applications. Don't be stupid for no reason.

Self-employed translates to at least filing a form 1040 schedule C with 1099's attached. Schedule C's are a key target for an IRS audit as you can deduct business expenses, so they want to see every receipt for these expenses in a very well organized manner. Can spent more time satisfying the IRS than trying to build up your business. And you do this on your own time or pay an accountant huge fees to do it for you.

[v333k 59]

If you write self employed and you are claiming (or claimed) unemployment benefits - the IRS will hunt you down and make your life a living hell even if it is just a small linguistic misunderstanding.

We are all being a bit harsh but this topic is a highly sensitive one and the correct wording should be used.