Notarized taxes? Form I-134

[watdog 8]

Notarized copies of his or her latest federal income tax return

Has anyone else gotten this before? I'm sort of confused at this as my tax advisor signs and I sign electronically...

How does one go about getting this? Especially overseas

[Allanah and Chris 8]

Has anyone else gotten this before? I'm sort of confused at this as my tax advisor signs and I sign electronically...

How does one go about getting this? Especially overseas

So we're clear, did your consulate/embassy make this request?

We've used standard IRS Tax Transcripts, which seems to be the norm.

[watdog 8]

Click packet 3 under K-1 on the consulate website.

http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/useful_links2.html

Inside it the document it says that. Does anyone have thoughts about how to obtain this?

Edited September 24, 2013 by watdog

[Dave&Roza 748]

Click packet 3 under K-1 on the consulate website.

http://jerusalem.usconsulate.gov/useful_links2.html

Inside it the document it says that. Does anyone have thoughts about how to obtain this?

I think you need to go back and re-read the document requirements especially under "Finiancial Support" It says you need a signed I-134 and tax returns (W-2 and 1099). It does not mention tax transcripts (which I would use anyway) and it says nothing about the tax returns needing to be notorized. Now under the Affadavit of Support section it does mention notarized copies of the sponsor's tax returns. So the petitioner files form I-134, but a co-sponsor must file teh affadavitt of support and that is where the notarized tax returns are required. Use the I-134 and tax transcripts or a complete tax return and you will be fine if you do not need a co-sponsor.

If you need a co-sponsor then the co-sponsor must complete the requirements of the Affadavit of Support which does include the notarized copy of the tax returns along with all the other documents listed in that section.

You might want to contact the Embassy/Consulate for clearification as they are the ones asking for this. You can see if they will accept tax transcripts instead of the notarized copies as the tax transcripts is what the IRS has on file are are hard to fake.

Good luck,

Dave

Edited September 24, 2013 by Dave&Roza

[watdog 8]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your response.

I am the petitioner and I have gathered my complete 2012 and 2011 returns. I make enough to not need a co-sponser and got a letter from my company as well, plus certificate of deposit from bank. Are you saying the notorized returns are only needed if it's a co-sponsor? That's what I'm gathering but wanted to make sure.

[jdseidel 40]

My fiancees interview in Jerusalem was on 9-9-2013. I submitted a notarized I-134 (which the officer said didn't need to be notarized, but better safe than sorry), notarized 2011 and 2012 tax returns (he only took the 2012 and again said it didn't have to be notarized), W-2, and letter of employment. I had a lot of other documents such as bank statements, stock accounts, deed, etc, but the officer told me the tax return, W-2 and employment letter were enough. I make a pretty decent living so if you are closer to the minimum salary requirement, they might ask for more.

The officer who took my forms didn't seem to care one way or another if they were notarized or not. I don't want to tell you to forget about notarizing them and then get a different officer who wants them to be notarized. If you have the means, I would notarize the I-134 and 2012 tax return just to be safe.

[watdog 8]

Hi jdseidel,

I actually have no way of notarizing my 2012 or 2011 taxes. I actually don't sign them except electronically so no signature. Been working and living in Israel almost 2 years so they pretty much just get filled. If it comes down to it I could possibly find a way. As for a notarized I-134 I could go to US embassy tel aviv and have them notarize for $50 each signature.

Since you went through the Interview process, how was using the Jerusalem consulate and any specific questions she should prepare for? My fiancée is not a citizen here and on work visa's as I am. Hoping it won't be a huge pain!

Edited September 29, 2013 by watdog

[jdseidel 40]

I also filed my tax returns electronically. I printed the entire tax return, signed the electronic filing page and had my signature notarized. My father is an attorney so having an unlimited amount of documents notarized was not a problem for me. Notarizing an electronically submitted tax return is a bit unorthodox so personally I wouldn't be too concerned. Worst case is they ask you to do it and you submit after the interview.

The Jerusalem Packet 3 instructions for the I-134 states:

"Individuals in the United States who desire to furnish sponsorship for an applicant in the form of an affidavit of

support should use Form I-134, affidavit of support, available at: http://www.uscis.gov/i-134 Sponsors may also

elect to furnish a statement in the form of an affidavit sworn to before a notary public or other official competent to Version: 3/17/2011

administer an oath, setting forth his or her willingness and financial ability to contribute to the applicant’s support

and reasons, in detail, for sponsoring the applicant. The sponsor’s affidavit should include:"

The instructions then list pretty much everything that is in the I-134. To me this means you can complete the I-134 or notarize your own version of an affidavit of financial support that contains the items listed. Again, worst case is they ask you to have the form notarized and you submit it after the interview.

I had a pretty good experience at the Consulate. Prepare to be there for a few hours. If you want to attend with your fiancee, email the consulate first asking permission. The woman outside first wouldn't let me in, but then I showed her an email from the Consulate stating that I could attend and then she let me in. The interview itself was pretty short. The interviewer asked me how we met, when I proposed, if my fiancee served in the military (your fiancee probably wont be asked that question), where I live, what I do, and maybe one or two other questions. It may be a slightly more complicated process since your fiancee is not Israeli, but I can only speak from personal experience. If you have any other specific questions, feel free to message me. Good luck!

[watdog 8]

Thank you for your input, it's appreciated!