Advice regarding the Affidavit of Support and Taxes

[leisiko 2]

Just a few questions regarding the AOS which maybe you guys can clear up:

My parents have claimed me as a dependent child the years that I have not worked and traveled abroad. This means my filing status has been single - claim 0.

1)For 2014 though I was married in October, should we amend that tax year so that it reflects Married Filed Separate? Or is it likely to be overlooked? (There is no change in the tax benefit, any modification would be solely for the immigration process.)

2)Should the poverty guideline then include me in the household because until recently I was included? (For 2015 I was not claimed as dependent, and I will not be in the future.)

3)Should we use an additional co-sponsor to 'strengthen' our case even if my parents current years (2016) income surpasses the poverty guidelines? Is using assets to supplement stronger more helpful?

In 2014 and 2015, my parents income was between the 100% and 125% lines. They have a house with net value of around $50k after the mortgage is deducted and $20k cash in the bank. My godmother also offered to co sponsor my husband and her income alone would be over the 125%.

Edited May 31, 2016 by leisiko

[newacct 688]

1. Yes. This is not for immigration. This is because it is a violation of tax law for you to have filed as Single.

2. No

3. No. Each immigrant can only have one joint sponsor. A joint sponsor cannot combine income with any other sponsors. If their current income (not any year's income, but the current income) is enough then it should be good. They can count assets if they think it is not enough.

[NikLR 13,227]

To be honest I would ask your godmother to be your joint sponsor since she qualifies on income alone.

[leisiko 2]

Thanks guys! Your advice is so helpful as I am preparing for the NVC steps ahead of time to make sure its all correct.

I still prefer my mother to be a joint sponsor however if it can be only one.

Her income then for 2013 and 2015 cover the 125% line.

For 2014 however the difference is about $3000. As I understand then, we need to have just $15k in liquid assets. Is that correct? Or do we not even need to cover it because it is not current?

Edited June 2, 2016 by leisiko

[NikLR 13,227]

2014 doesnt matter, current income matters.