Tax transcripts

[John+Lourdelie 28]

Getting conflicting answers about this due to various old and new information on this site.

When I send the paperwork to my fiancée, how many years of tax transcripts do I need to send her? I may not be able to file my taxes for 2010 before her interview. I have 2 years where I made well over the poverty level (2009 & 2008). For 2007 I made under the poverty level due to going to school and working only part time.

I will try to complete my 2010 prior to her interview but can not guarantee it will be completed, filed and transcripts available for me to get from the IRS.

John

[Tero 105]

The last 3 years is what is required. If you have not filed this year, 2009, 2008, 2007 would be good, otherwise, send the 3 most current you have. It does not matter is you did not make anything at all in 2007, they can see the time intersects with your schooling period.

[nicole&efe 0]

Everyone might answer this question differently because of working with various embassies, etc. but I don't believe that tax transcripts are required (assuming that you have copies of your tax returns- i.e. 1040). Before sending my husband the I-134 papers I contacted the Ankara embassy to ask exactly what they wanted, and the only supporting documentation they needed was the past years tax return (showing you meet the income level) and that's all. I think that if you just send the 2009 and 2008 transcripts and corresponding returns that would be more than enough supporting documentation.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

The last 3 years is what is required. If you have not filed this year, 2009, 2008, 2007 would be good, otherwise, send the 3 most current you have. It does not matter is you did not make anything at all in 2007, they can see the time intersects with your schooling period.

Most consulates do NOT require three years of tax returns or transcripts. Most consulates require a tax return or transcript only for the most recent tax year. The most recent tax year was 2009, but they would accept a 2010 tax return or transcript if it's been filed already. A 2010 tax return or transcript will be required after this year's filing deadline, which is April 18th.

Everyone might answer this question differently because of working with various embassies, etc. but I don't believe that tax transcripts are required (assuming that you have copies of your tax returns- i.e. 1040). Before sending my husband the I-134 papers I contacted the Ankara embassy to ask exactly what they wanted, and the only supporting documentation they needed was the past years tax return (showing you meet the income level) and that's all. I think that if you just send the 2009 and 2008 transcripts and corresponding returns that would be more than enough supporting documentation.

This is more accurate than the previous member's post. What you did was exactly right - follow the consulate's instructions. Some consulates will specifically ask for transcripts, but may accept a copy of the tax return under some conditions.

If you send a copy of a tax return for a specific tax year then you do not need to send transcripts. If you send transcripts then you do not need to send a copy of the tax return. One or the other, but never both.

Transcripts are better, in most cases. Every consulate I'm aware of will accept them, whereas some consulates may not accept a copy of a tax return except under certain conditions. Transcripts require no other supporting documents, whereas a copy of a tax return also requires all forms, schedules, W2's, 1099's, etc. Transcripts prove a tax return was actually filed, and they show the financial information that was declared on the return, whereas anybody can download a 1040 form from the IRS website and write virtually anything they want on it. Transcripts are free, and you can get them from the IRS in less than two weeks with a simple phone call.

[happyme'11 3]

Getting conflicting answers about this due to various old and new information on this site.

When I send the paperwork to my fiancée, how many years of tax transcripts do I need to send her? I may not be able to file my taxes for 2010 before her interview. I have 2 years where I made well over the poverty level (2009 & 2008). For 2007 I made under the poverty level due to going to school and working only part time.

I will try to complete my 2010 prior to her interview but can not guarantee it will be completed, filed and transcripts available for me to get from the IRS.

John

If they require 3 years income tax (I submitted 3 yrs.) then it won't hurt if u give them what they asked.

I submitted 3 years- the first two hubby was making more than 50K ,the latest yr..was not good since he lost his job that time...but it's ok as long as u filed the tax yearly.

Good Luck!

[Tero 105]

It's true it depends on the consulate. OP, I think you are better of finding the requirement from people that have been through your consulate or from the consulate directly. If they require 3 then you know you are already prepared, if they require just 1, you are prepared nonetheless. If they require 3 and you have just ...

[John+Lourdelie 28]

Thanks everyone that responded. After looking at the embassy info I found this in the instruction packet for the interview.

"You should also submit your petitioner’s most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2)."

So it looks like only 1 year is required (most recent) and as Jim stated I suspect that transcripts would suffice. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

Thanks,

John

[Don and Venus 2]

When Venus had her interview the Manila CO mainly wanted to see financial info from me and pictures of us. She had my 2009 taxes with W-2's. I also included tax transcripts of 2007-2009 and pay check stubbs for the previous 6 months before her interview. It may have been overkill but I would rather be safe then sorry.