I-134 Tax Question

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Hi, I'm wanting to ask how I go about filling out the I-134 when I have This Situation... In 2007 I was married and a housewife with no job and my ex husband and I filed a Joint Return...In 2008 I lived with my ex husband for 7 months before we separated and We also filed a Joint Return for this tax year for which I still was a housewife with no job... In 2009 We got Divorced and I was self employed and did not earn enough to have to file taxes. What do I do? Thanks So Much

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Hi, I'm wanting to ask how I go about filling out the I-134 when I have This Situation... In 2007 I was married and a housewife with no job and my ex husband and I filed a Joint Return...In 2008 I lived with my ex husband for 7 months before we separated and We also filed a Joint Return for this tax year for which I still was a housewife with no job... In 2009 We got Divorced and I was self employed and did not earn enough to have to file taxes. What do I do? Thanks So Much

Most consulates only require the most recent year's tax return, but some ask for three years. If they ask for three years then you'll need to get either copies of the joint returns you filed, including the W2's and other supporting documents, or get transcripts from the IRS for those returns. If they don't specifically ask for three years tax returns then don't bother with the 2007 and 2008 returns. You'll need to include a letter explaining why you were not required to file a return for the 2009 tax year. If you have current income then you'll need to provide evidence, which may include an employment letter and pay stubs.

If you're still self-employed then you can provide bank statements showing revenues in the form of deposits, but without a tax return they may not accept this as being sufficient. Self-employed people often have substantial expenses they can legally deduct, and the consulate considers your total income after your legitimate business expenses have been deducted. Bank statements alone won't show what your total income is going to be on your next tax return. You may need a co-sponsor.

[Zen Den 18]

Hi, I'm wanting to ask how I go about filling out the I-134 when I have This Situation... In 2007 I was married and a housewife with no job and my ex husband and I filed a Joint Return...In 2008 I lived with my ex husband for 7 months before we separated and We also filed a Joint Return for this tax year for which I still was a housewife with no job... In 2009 We got Divorced and I was self employed and did not earn enough to have to file taxes. What do I do? Thanks So Much

it all depends on your present financial situation. you didn't mention if you have a job right now, so if you do, it's ok that you didn't have a job in the last 2 years. make sure though that you attach your cert. of employment and other proofs of financial sources.

in any case, check on this link http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/107431-2009-hhs-poverty-guidelines/

to see if you meet the requirement. then, if you will look at the form itself, you can indicate if you have assets/properties, etc to include to ensure the uscis that you can take financial responsibility for your beneficiary.

although you will have to present your 2 incometax returns that shows that you didn't earn income, if you have income at present and it's enough to take care of you, your fiance (if he's granted a visa) and whoeverelse you support. =)

[payxibka 10,047]

US Embassy and Consulate Discussion

This is the place to post your experiences or questions related to this last step before moving to the US. Topics relating to I-134's, packets sent from consulate and medical & police certificates should be posted here.

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Thank You for the response.... I should have mentioned that I will be getting a co sponsor and as for my income for this year its the same as 2009. I didnt know if I should use the joint returns or not...If you have any other comments please let me know. Thanks to all

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Thank You for the response.... I should have mentioned that I will be getting a co sponsor and as for my income for this year its the same as 2009. I didnt know if I should use the joint returns or not...If you have any other comments please let me know. Thanks to all

Unless the consulate specifically requires them, don't submit the tax returns for 2007 and 2008. You're not qualified to sponsor by yourself now, and submitting those returns if they are not required is not going to change that. Give them what they absolutely need - a signed affidavit of support from you, a letter explaining why you were not required to file a return last year, and any other supporting documents they require, and leave it at that. Since you won't be the sole sponsor, your submission of an affidavit of support only serves to meet the technical requirement that they must have an affidavit from the petitioner. They're going to focus on your co-sponsor's affidavit and supporting evidence in order to make the public charge determination.

[tru_loves_journey 117]

Unless the consulate specifically requires them, don't submit the tax returns for 2007 and 2008. You're not qualified to sponsor by yourself now, and submitting those returns if they are not required is not going to change that. Give them what they absolutely need - a signed affidavit of support from you, a letter explaining why you were not required to file a return last year, and any other supporting documents they require, and leave it at that. Since you won't be the sole sponsor, your submission of an affidavit of support only serves to meet the technical requirement that they must have an affidavit from the petitioner. They're going to focus on your co-sponsor's affidavit and supporting evidence in order to make the public charge determination.

Thanks So Much For Your Help