why are tax returns considered a good proof?

[blamu2 0]

im preparing the condition removal package and noticed that a lot of people advice to submit joint tax returns. correct me if im wrong but tax returns you prepare yourself and one can put anything in there. its just a document you filled out. how is that a proof of anything? am i missing something here?

[milimelo 4,446]

You're missing that they want either the tax transcripts from IRS or a COMPLETE filed tax returns - with all W-2s, 1099s and all the schedules. IRS can easily corroborate whether your W-2 and other information matches what your employer already reported to them.

Besides, as an LPR, you are obligated to file taxes (federal and state).

[NikLR 13,227]

Joint taxes generally give you a better return so many couples file that way. Doing things jointly in a financial sense shows that you trust your partner with your money (which is one of the top reasons people get a divorce.) Either an entire tax return or, preferably, the tax return transcripts should be sent no matter how the taxes were filed.

[jerni 24]

im preparing the condition removal package and noticed that a lot of people advice to submit joint tax returns. correct me if im wrong but tax returns you prepare yourself and one can put anything in there. its just a document you filled out. how is that a proof of anything? am i missing something here?

Filing a false tax return is fraud. You can't just "put anything in there". Sending USCIS a tax return with false information, even if you never filed it with the IRS would also be fraud. 99.99999999999999% of people are not stupid enough to risk it.

Edited November 4, 2015 by jerni

[blamu2 0]

You're missing that they want either the tax transcripts.

see i didnt even know that tax transcripts exist but i googled tax transcripts just now and that makes a whole lot more sense than tax returns. its an actual official document from irs. im gonna submit that instead of my returns.

[oceanborn 33]

see i didnt even know that tax transcripts exist but i googled tax transcripts just now and that makes a whole lot more sense than tax returns. its an actual official document from irs. im gonna submit that instead of my returns.

I submitted tax transcripts vs returns, too. Sounds like you're on the right track.

[Stevephoto 230]

I submitted tax transcripts vs returns, too. Sounds like you're on the right track.

see i didnt even know that tax transcripts exist but i googled tax transcripts just now and that makes a whole lot more sense than tax returns. its an actual official document from irs. im gonna submit that instead of my returns.

It is also a LOT less paper!!!

[Amhara 460]

When a couple files as married filing joint (MFJ), they cannot revoke that election. They are thus severally and jointly liable for that tax return. That means that if there is an increase in tax liability later, they are both jointly and separately liable. The IRS won't care who pays, as long as it gets paid.

If a couple is not valid, they won't file MFJ. They will file as single or head of household (HOH). The proper way would be to file married filing separate (MFS) if they are living together. A married person can file S or HOH if they are separated and meet other conditions, so if they are trying to tell the USCIS that they are married and living together, but file as S or HOH, they are lying to immigration or on their tax return. MFS typically reduces tax benefits and credits and can increase tax liabilities for both parties. But if a married couple really are living together and they don't want to file jointly (for whatever reason), this is the only filing status available to them.

[SunflowerSweet 1,321]

I submitted tax transcripts vs returns, too. Sounds like you're on the right track.

The document I ordered was called a "return transcript", is that not the correct thing?