Help with Tax Statement?

[jcwlin 0]

I am a US citizen sponsoring my husband and I did file taxes for 2012. However, I was not required to file taxes for 2010 and 2011 because of low income. I believe my parents may have included my income on their taxes, with me listed as a dependent. Since I didn't file taxes for those two years, I need to include a written explanation. I'm just a little unsure on the wording and format for doing that? This is what I have for it right now:

USCIS

P.O. Box 805887

Chicago, IL

60680-4120

October 20, 2013

My Address here

I was not required to file taxes for the years 2010 and 2011 because my income was below filing requirements. My income was filed on my parents’ taxes, as I was listed as a dependent.

Respectfully,

I don't know if this is sufficient or if I should word it/ format it differently? Any help would be appreciated!! Thanks!

[newacct 688]

My income was filed on my parents’ taxes, as I was listed as a dependent.

Your income is generally not reported on your parents' taxes. They would be reported on your taxes, if you file. There is an exception for child investment income.

[jcwlin 0]

Your income is generally not reported on your parents' taxes. They would be reported on your taxes, if you file. There is an exception for child investment income.

Okay, so I should just remove that sentence? Is it fine, other than that?

[mrjack 9]

Or you could just file your tax returns for 2010 and 2011 despite the fact that you don't need to file them. You avoid the risk of a slow USCIS employee sending you out an RFE because they don't understand your letter. A 1040EZ for 2010 and 2011 would take you about 20 minutes to print up and fill out, especially if your income was below the filing requirements.

[jcwlin 0]

Or you could just file your tax returns for 2010 and 2011 despite the fact that you don't need to file them. You avoid the risk of a slow USCIS employee sending you out an RFE because they don't understand your letter. A 1040EZ for 2010 and 2011 would take you about 20 minutes to print up and fill out, especially if your income was below the filing requirements.

I'll take a look at that, thanks. Would I be able to do those without any W-2s for those years?

[newacct 688]

You avoid the risk of a slow USCIS employee sending you out an RFE because they don't understand your letter.

That would have to be some really slow USCIS employee, as I-864 with not having been required to file taxes because the income was too low is not uncommon (we get at least 5 questions about it on VJ per day), and it also clearly says to write an explanation in the instructions.

I'll take a look at that, thanks. Would I be able to do those without any W-2s for those years?

If you got W-2s or 1099s, etc. for that year, then you must report them on the tax return. If you didn't get any of those for that year, then it's fine.