AOS - Tax Transcript and W2/1099 requirement

[SAJourney 16]

I filed my 2016 taxes jointly with my wife (beneficiary).  I have my 2016 tax transcript.  Do I need to include my W2 and 1099 with the I864EZ?  Reason for asking, I read the following in the instructions:

 

If you provide a photocopy of your tax returns, you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099 that
relates to your returns. Do not include copies of these forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your returns rather than a
photocopy unless you filed a joint tax return with your spouse.

 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

You have the tax transcript then use the tax transcript. If you submit the tax transcript, you are not required to send the W-2 and 1099.

[EG&XY 144]

18 minutes ago, KULtoATL said:

You have the tax transcript then use the tax transcript. If you submit the tax transcript, you are not required to send the W-2 and 1099.

Actually, if you filed as single (weren't married that year) or opted for married filing separately, then this should be true.

 

However, it seems that if you filed as married filing jointly it can be a little more tricky. Here is my case:

 

We were married last year and so we filed as married filing jointly. ~90% of the reported income was on my W-2, but the remaining reported income was a mixture of 1099's for me (interest and dividends) and my spouse's income (no W-2 or 1099's since this was all earned in China). When I submitted documents to NVC I sent my W-2 which covered the majority of the reported income and was well over the threshold. However, we did get a checklist with a request to bring "all" W-2's to the interview. The NVC did not request that I submit the additional documents to them, only that they be taken to the interview.

 

So from my experience I think that if you file as single, or there is no chance that your spouse had income on the return (married filing separately) then just send the tax transcript and be done with it. However, it you filed taxes as married filing jointly it seems that they want a full break-down of the income sources even if you individual W-2 shows that your income was over the threshold.

[KULtoATL 1,551]

6 minutes ago, EG&XY said:

Actually, if you filed as single (weren't married that year) or opted for married filing separately, then this should be true.

 

However, it seems that if you filed as married filing jointly it can be a little more tricky. Here is my case:

 

We were married last year and so we filed as married filing jointly. ~90% of the reported income was on my W-2, but the remaining reported income was a mixture of 1099's for me (interest and dividends) and my spouse's income (no W-2 or 1099's since this was all earned in China). When I submitted documents to NVC I sent my W-2 which covered the majority of the reported income and was well over the threshold. However, we did get a checklist with a request to bring "all" W-2's to the interview. The NVC did not request that I submit the additional documents to them, only that they be taken to the interview.

 

So from my experience I think that if you file as single, or there is no chance that your spouse had income on the return (married filing separately) then just send the tax transcript and be done with it. However, it you filed taxes as married filing jointly it seems that they want a full break-down of the income sources even if you individual W-2 shows that your income was over the threshold.

This is right too, for people filing jointly with their spouse to indicate their individual income

[EG&XY 144]

13 minutes ago, KULtoATL said:

This is right too, for people filing jointly with their spouse to indicate their individual income

Yeah, I thought my W-2 would be sufficient, since it clearly is enough and covers the majority of the income. However, now I need to pull up all of my other documents to hand over to them, it is like getting my taxes done all over again. 

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Just now, EG&XY said:

Yeah, I thought my W-2 would be sufficient, since it clearly is enough and covers the majority of the income. However, now I need to pull up all of my other documents to hand over to them, it is like getting my taxes done all over again. 

In this immigration process, they likely know you better than your family does! They know or want to know (almost) EVERYTHING  Being a really private person, I cringe each time I think of the stuff that we need to send in every step of the way. But hey, at least I'll get to be with my fiance 

[EG&XY 144]

1 minute ago, KULtoATL said:

In this immigration process, they likely know you better than your family does! They know or want to know (almost) EVERYTHING  Being a really private person, I cringe each time I think of the stuff that we need to send in every step of the way. But hey, at least I'll get to be with my fiance 

Yep, can't wait for my husband to be here in about 2 months, as long as all goes well with his interview next month.

[KULtoATL 1,551]

Just now, EG&XY said:

Yep, can't wait for my husband to be here in about 2 months, as long as all goes well with his interview next month.

Good luck to you and your husband!! My interview is next Thursday. I die  So, so nervous.

[EG&XY 144]

1 minute ago, KULtoATL said:

Good luck to you and your husband!! My interview is next Thursday. I die  So, so nervous.

Good luck to you too. Just take deep breaths and stay calm, you will make it through just fine.