Unemployed in 2012, how to fill out I-864

[FherJess 15]

I know it asks for the total income for the three most recent tax years.

Since I didn't work in 2012, do I enter "Tota Income- $0"

Then on the additional info sheet, state why I didn't file: because I was unemployed

I'm Just trying to get all of this clear so I don't miss anything. Thanks in advance!

Edited September 12, 2015 by FherJess

[GurkenSalat 48]

My husband had a total income of $0 for one of those years because he was a student. So yeah, it's fine to put 0, but I *think* he did file anyway. But putting "unemployed, no income" as the reason you didn't file sounds fine to me...

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

Are you using the old or new edition of the I-864? The new edition states to put N/A if you did not file.

Page 8 of the instructions >

NOTE: Do not leave the boxes for Item Number 19.a. blank. Print or type the most recent tax year and your total
income for that most recent tax year. If the amount was zero, enter “zero” or if you were not required to file a Federal
income tax return enter “N/A” for not applicable.

Edited September 13, 2015 by KayDeeCee

[FherJess 15]

Are you using the old or new edition of the I-864? The new edition states to put N/A if you did not file.

Page 8 of the instructions >

NOTE: Do not leave the boxes for Item Number 19.a. blank. Print or type the most recent tax year and your total

income for that most recent tax year. If the amount was zero, enter zero or if you were not required to file a Federal

income tax return enter N/A for not applicable.

Yes, I'm using the most recent I-864.

I think that's why I got confused because I wasn't sure if N/A is what I should put or if "0" is more accurate since I did not work in 2012.

I thought that by putting N/A it would seem as if I did in fact work but didn't make enough to file.

I do know that I have to explain (in the space provided towards the end of the form) why I did Not file.

[KayDeeCee 4,896]

The answer is not 0 because you did not file. If you were not required to file, then you put N/A, just like the instructions tell you to do. Then you check the box for #20 and you provide a statement as to why you were not legally required to file in 2012.

Example, "I did not file taxes in 2012 because I was unemployed, earned zero income and was therefore not legally required to file that year."

[FherJess 15]

The answer is not 0 because you did not file. If you were not required to file, then you put N/A, just like the instructions tell you to do. Then you check the box for #20 and you provide a statement as to why you were not legally required to file in 2012.

Example, "I did not file taxes in 2012 because I was unemployed, earned zero income and was therefore not legally required to file that year."

Thank you Kay, you've cleared this up for me!!! ??