i-864 providing last three years of tax

[Ali9 0]

The USCIS instruction form for i-864 is not clear on this part. Is it mandatory to provide my last three years of federal tax forms? As I read the instruction, it seems to me that only the most recent year's tax form, 2013, is needed and that the previous two years, 2011 and 2012, is optional.

[christophec 16]

It is optional, but if you think it can help your case, then add the three years.

It's up to you

[Melibelle 10]

I agree with christophec, but also, you want to make sure you are sending your tax transcripts, not copies of the tax forms you submitted. The transcript is the official IRS record of your tax filing.

You can download and print your transcripts for free from here:

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript

[Ali9 0]

I agree with christophec, but also, you want to make sure you are sending your tax transcripts, not copies of the tax forms you submitted. The transcript is the official IRS record of your tax filing.

You can download and print your transcripts for free from here:

http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcript

Sorry for the late reply.

But the USCIS instruction form says that we can submit copies of the 1040 tax form and all additional tax forms.

[Melibelle 10]

Sorry for the late reply.

But the USCIS instruction form says that we can submit copies of the 1040 tax form and all additional tax forms.

It does say that you can, but my understanding is you have a lesser risk of getting an RFE with the transcripts. For example, say you file your taxes saying you're due a $1000 return, but the IRS reviews the return and finds out you owe them $1000. Sending them a copy of the return isn't really an accurate picture of your tax filing, whereas the tax transcript is their official record that would show the final result that they can trust.

Do a search on "RFE transcript" and you'll see stories of folks who got RFE'd for only providing copies of their returns. Some people are fine, but the transcripts are free, and you can print them immediately on your computer. To me, it's worth the small trouble to not risk delaying the process.

[CdnRN 40]

What others have said is correct - tax transcripts are the best way to go.

We did send a 2013 tax return with 2012 and 2011 transcripts - our accountant had filed an extension for our 2013 return so our transcripts weren't available yet for 2013. But had we had a transcript that is what we would have done.

So far no RFE but we will see...

By now you should have access to the 2013 transcript so I would use that if I were you.

[Ali9 0]

Thanks everyones. Thank you Melibelle. We'll go with the transcript.