IRS Tax Transcripts or or can I just send my tax returns

[moemac59 192]

Hello My VJ Friends,

I am finally within the window of filing my N400 application based ( ) on the 3yr marriage requirement.

I have been putting together my docs for my application and on the USCIS application requirements they want copies of a) IRS tax transcripts for the last 3 years or b) Certified tax returns.

My question is can I just send them my tax returns for the last 3 years instead of getting the tax transcripts from the IRS? If I do that, what are the chances that I will receive an RFE?

It seems so redundant to be sending in this information again since I just sent all of that out last November when I sent my ROC application in and yes yes I know that this is all part of the immigration process but still it makes my head hurt having to copy the same docs over and over again.

Thanks in advance.

[kovacs 20]

If you order the transcripts online today (or over the phone), you'll have them by next week. They get mailed out the day after the order. Transcripts are preferred because they are much easier to read.

[boy15 23]

Or if you don't want to wait, you may want to spend a few hours at IRS Local Office. They are able to print out your last 3 years Tax Transcripts. You can look up the nearest IRS Local Office at: https://apps.irs.gov/app/officeLocator/

Good luck.

Edited October 29, 2015 by boy15

[Udella&Wiz 325]

The Transcripts are preferable since they are an official document, vs your returns where there is no proof of the final copy of what you filed. Not hard to get them as noted in a previous post.

[bappi48 4]

Both is good. However if you send tax return then dont forget to send W2 also. It is best to send IRS tax transcript. You can order transcript from IRS website online: https://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Get-Transcriptwithin 1 week you will get your transcript in your mail. [Transcript will come to your last mailing address used to file tax]

[moemac59 192]

Thanks everyone for the input. Much appreciated. I did apply online to receive the transcripts so I will send those.

[Florida Bear 7]

I ordered mine online two weeks ago and got them last week, so the IRS is pretty quick with the turnaround. Chances are during tax season it may not be as quick so better to get it done now.

[llcoolmg 20]

Disagree about the transcript comments. I don't know of any legal proceeding, including immigration, where the transcripts are preferable over the copy of the return, and I don't mean certified copy, rather just a plain old copy. Indeed, there's a reason why you can order the transcript for free from the IRS and why the IRS sends it to you so quickly, it has less information than the return filed and does not reflect subsequent activity you have made to your tax account after you have filed. Not saying transcripts are not useful in a pinch but I would never tell a client they are preferable over the actual copy of the tax return.

That signature at the bottom of the 1040 is so important. Visually for the judge, jury, etc. it has a lot of impact because by signing it you are signing under the penalty of perjury.

I am also interested in OP question, whether you will get a RFE by submitting your personal copy of the tax return vs sending the transcript? Has that happened to anyone?

[medsox 2]

According to USCIS, "If you have taken any trip outside the United States that lasted 6 months or more since becoming a Lawful Permanent Resident, send evidence that you (and your family) continued to live, work and/or keep ties to the United States, such as:

• An IRS tax return “transcript” or an IRS-certified tax return listing tax information for the last 5 years (or for the last 3 years if you are applying on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen)"

However, tax returns are acceptable in case out of country stay is not an issue. In any case it is safer to just get the transcripts and send them. Also, USCIS is aware that anyone can just fill in a tax return and sent it. Tax transcripts has transaction ID printed on it.

Edited October 30, 2015 by medsox

[llcoolmg 20]

Also, USCIS is aware that anyone can just fill in a tax return and sent it. Tax transcripts has transaction ID printed on it.

my efile also has a transaction id.

I'm trying to understand the logic. So the issue, according to some of yall, is the chain of custody? A plain personal copy can be forged therefore the chain of custody can not be verified, but a transcript can not be forged because it was mailed to you by the IRS? Huh? That's not true either, using the same logic, anyone can just "fill in" a transcript as well, via Photoshop, etc. Meaning anyone who might commit fraud on a copy of a tax return is able to do so as well on the transcript. Meaning they could Photoshop the Single Not Married on Photoshop and change it to Married Filing Jointly. So I don't see how legally a transcript is any more "authentic".

Certified copies have a chain of custody that is verifiable so obviously they are the most preferred.

But I'm still interested in OP's question, does anyone know of someone getting a RFE because they submitted their personal copies of tax returns in lieu of transcripts?

[boy15 23]

my efile also has a transaction id.

I'm trying to understand the logic. So the issue, according to some of yall, is the chain of custody? A plain personal copy can be forged therefore the chain of custody can not be verified, but a transcript can not be forged because it was mailed to you by the IRS? Huh? That's not true either, using the same logic, anyone can just "fill in" a transcript as well, via Photoshop, etc. Meaning anyone who might commit fraud on a copy of a tax return is able to do so as well on the transcript. Meaning they could Photoshop the Single Not Married on Photoshop and change it to Married Filing Jointly. So I don't see how legally a transcript is any more "authentic".

Certified copies have a chain of custody that is verifiable so obviously they are the most preferred.

But I'm still interested in OP's question, does anyone know of someone getting a RFE because they submitted their personal copies of tax returns in lieu of transcripts?

llcoomg,

You are right. On form N-659 Naturalization Interview Document Check List, it states "Tax Returns — Copies of income tax returns that you filed with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) for the past 5 years (3 years if filing on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen). Although income tax returns are not required in every case, you are highly encouraged to bring several years of your tax returns, especially if you are filing for naturalization based on marriage to a U.S. citizen or have traveled outside the United States for a period that lasted for 6 months or more. If you do not have copies of your tax returns, you may bring an IRS Tax Transcript listing tax information for the past 5 years (3 years if filing on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen)."

So, either Copies of Income Tax Returns OR IRS Tax Transcripts are ACCEPTABLE.

[Fifth Echelon 6]

For the initial filing (under the 3 year rule), I did not send transcripts because I did not have the most recent two years, and the IRS no longer allows you to get online transcripts. I did submit copies of leases and some recent bank statements. I have since received transcripts in the mail, and intend to take those to the interview.