W2 or complete tax return for I-134

[AirConditioner515 15]

Hello,

I'm currently putting together the I-134 document and at the tax portion.

I tried getting the Tax transcript from the IRS however, the email option is no longer available. It would take 5-10 to receive it by mail. That'll be way too long.

Couple of questions I had:

1) Do I need the complete tax return (20+ pages) or is a W2 enough?

2) How far back tax returns would I need? (i.e.: 2012, 2013, and 2014?)

3) Scanning each page is okay correct? (although extremely time consuming) The actual copy isn't needed corrrect?

Thanks.

[gw68ad78 64]

The I-134 form states that self employed individuals must include a tax transcript, however, interestingly enough, as I was listening to the US embassy in Kingston podcast on K1 visas they mentioned that a tax transcript was needed for all I-134s. Go figure? A tax return document alone doesn't prove that it was filed. The IRS was quick in sending my request. Perhaps you could pick up a transcript from your local branch if you are self employed and need it in a pinch. Otherwise use the other required documentation such as W2s. Good luck.

[dilip 187]

It is better to wait for tax transcripts. They come quickly by mail . They usually require 2014 tax transcript, but better to get 3 years because you need those for Green card application.

[Anh map 2,098]

If you are self employed then the entire tax return plus supporting documents will be needed. That is why tax transcripts are preferred. Just a couple of pages and you are done.

Remember that when printing a tax return copy it is only the actual form pages and supporting documents (W2, 1099, schedules) that are needed. The prep pages and instructions are not needed. Often when printing from tax prep software you get many added pages that are not part of the actual return. There should be a printing option that eliminates these unnecessary pages.

[AirConditioner515 15]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm employed at a company. As GW68 mentioned, isn't tax returns required for all I-134's? Not just self employed?

Also, I don't think I really have time to wait for the tax transcripts to come from the IRS. I'm trying to send out the I-134 to my fiancee by the end of this week. I know it's my fault that I should have prepped earlier. However, I didn't realize that the IRS online Transcript service was not available anymore.

[Ash.1101 1,756]

It depends on the consulate.

Example, in Packet 4 for Montreal Canada it states one of the required documents as:

"Proof of Financial Support (Form I-134) and photocopy of supporting documents (IRS transcript or photocopy of the most recent Federal income tax return, bank statements, employment pay slips, etc.)"

While the I-134 does have BASIC instructions, those are baseline across the board. Each consulate can have their own requirements for what they consider proof on top of those baseline rules.

You may want to ask your fiance if s/he has anything regarding what they want as financial documentation support, that or ask in the South Korean section of the forums as to what others sent to get an idea of what to send.


As a blanket statement though, it's almost safe to say that ALL consulates want either a tax transcript OR most recent years tax return (2014) and W2, employer letter (stating how long you have worked there, if you are temp or permanent employer and your projected salary), and paystubs. Some people have gotten by with JUST a tax return, employer letter, paystubs, and no W2, where as others have been asked to have all of it.

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

Thanks for the replies!

I'm employed at a company. As GW68 mentioned, isn't tax returns required for all I-134's? Not just self employed?

Also, I don't think I really have time to wait for the tax transcripts to come from the IRS. I'm trying to send out the I-134 to my fiancee by the end of this week. I know it's my fault that I should have prepped earlier. However, I didn't realize that the IRS online Transcript service was not available anymore.

What did the instructions from your consulate ask for? Typically you need most recent tax return or transcript, along with letter from employer and/or recent pay stubs.

If you have a local IRS office, you can also walk in and get the transcripts there in person.

It is better to wait for tax transcripts. They come quickly by mail . They usually require 2014 tax transcript, but better to get 3 years because you need those for Green card application.

Only the most recent tax return/transcript is required to be submitted with the I-864 when applying for AOS.

[baron555 934]

1) Do I need the complete tax return (20+ pages) or is a W2 enough? Complete return.....the free IRS Tax Transcripts are even better.

2) How far back tax returns would I need? (i.e.: 2012, 2013, and 2014?) Three year if you have them.

3) Scanning each page is okay correct? (although extremely time consuming) The actual copy isn't needed corrrect? Copies are fine.

Thanks.

[dilip 187]

If I were you and you could send the 1-134 and scan and email the tax transcript ( even a day before interview data) would be a good idea. They will take photocopy