N-14 request for (non-existent) State Tax Transcripts for N-400

[kittens_0117 5]

I got my N-400 interview recently, and they said I passed everything except they need to issue me an N-14 to ask for tax transcripts since I disclosed I owed some taxes on 2012 (which have all been paid in full). It was three years ago so I couldn't even recall during the interview if I only owed the federal or if I owed anything for the state (I don't usually keep tax seasons in my foremost memories). IO also handed me the N-652 (Interview results) document and said N-14 will be mailed to me as soon as possible.

I got the N-14 in the mail, now IO said they wanted the STATE tax transcripts, which then I called our state revenue office and they said tax transcripts are only issued at the federal level (IRS) - state does not have those, all they have is the tax returns and W-2 (which I have copies of).

Specifically in the N-14, IO said "submission of a tax return will not be deemed as compliant to this request". Wut?

I checked my tax returns, I finally see I don't owe anything to the state at all. Federal - yes, but I can easily request transcripts to prove I paid for that piece. So now I'm stuck with - what should I submit to prove I don't owe anything if they said "tax transcripts only"?

As if that doesn't get any confusing... the N-652 says "send any questions about your application in writing to the officer named above" (the form listed my IO's name). So, I actually wrote a letter to IO asking to guide me on what I can provide if state tax transcripts are non-existent.

I just thought I found writing to the IO directly kind of awkward, so in any event the IO just tosses my mail into the trash and I don't get a response, I scheduled an InfoPass for a "general inquiry" in the next two weeks to shed some light on what needs to be done.

I get specifically meticulous with things like this and I would rather make sure I have everything they requested when I am ready to submit it rather than waste even more days trying to collect stuff that they would find insufficient anyway.

Anyone can share their thoughts on this? Did anyone submit state tax returns with their application and it worked out just fine (even if they owe[d] back then)?

I really hate this waiting game - I wanna be able to vote next year!!!

[GuidedbyGODkatval 1]

Hi. Did you apply based on your marriage? I will behaving my interview too on october. I also owed IRS before and just recently paid in full.

[kittens_0117 5]

Yes, I applied based on 3-year marriage, but I might as well apply for the 5-year residency since I submitted my application kind of close to five years but not quite... I don't think how you applied matters though, the main point of asking for transcripts is to make sure you are not evading your taxes, regardless if you're married or not... Make sure you get your proof of payment with you on the interview.

Edited September 18, 2015 by kittens_0117

[GuidedbyGODkatval 1]

My husband is alo a naturalized cotizen, did they ask for your spouse's certificate of naturalization(if he is naturalized too)? My husband's certificate got lost but I have a photocopy and original US passport.

[kittens_0117 5]

My husband was a natural born citizen. I'd say reread the instructions on the application, you might really need the naturalization certificate, and you can get a new one (for a fee). I really don't know if passport is sufficient - I just made sure and brought his birth certificate along in the interview but they didn't ask for it in my case - they just nitpicked at my tax situation.

Edited September 18, 2015 by kittens_0117

[GuidedbyGODkatval 1]

They might do the same to me too regarding the taxes. Anyway, thank you so much for answering all my questions.

[kittens_0117 5]

Just an update on my topic - I went for an InfoPass, did not get much of an answer other than, "just send the transcripts - there should be a piece of paper that would show I paid (and if I had any payment plans)" - not too helpful but it wasn't a complete waste of time.

I submitted my federal tax transcripts, my state tax returns, and a note specifying that my state's Dept of Revenue does not issue tax transcripts, only returns (I even included my email conversation with someone from the DOR). I also threw in my W2 for good measure. I also enumerated in the note all the documents attached in my packet, including the copies of N-14 and N-652.

Exactly 4 weeks after they received the packet, I received an email update from USCIS on my case and I'm scheduled for my oath ceremony! Frankly, I was already surrendering to the fact that it would take months, so it was a pleasant surprise.