i-864 Tax Returns

[Zandercode 0]

Hello, I'm looking for some clarification regarding Part 6 of the I-864, Federal Tax Return Information section. I've attached a screenshot of the section with some example responses.

 

The first question, 23.a., asks if I've filed a tax return for each of the 3 most recent tax years. I checked "no" because I filed for 2017 and 2015 but not for 2016 (due to lack of income as a student). So far so good. Then 23.b. says to check if I have attached photocopies or transcripts for my 2nd and 3rd most recent tax years. I didn't check this because I don't have a 2016 return to show. However, I'm wondering if "my 2nd and 3rd most recent tax years" means strictly just 2016 and 2015 (so, same for everyone regardless of whether you filed or not), or can it mean any of the most recent 2 tax years that "I" have actually filed for (in my case, 2015 and 2014)?

 

If it's the former, what's the correct way to fill out 24.a. - 24.c.? Should it look like: 2017 = $25,000 (an example), 2016 = $0 (because I didn't file/had no income), and 2015 = $20,000...? But if it's the latter, should it be: 2017 = $25,000, 2015 = $20,000, 2014 = $15,000...?

 

Finally, #25 asks you to check if you were not required to file a tax return because your income was too low. Does this only refer to 2017? (then no) Or does it refer to any of the 3 most recent tax years? (then yes)

 

If anyone can clarify this for me I'd greatly appreciate it.

[aleful 1,905]

hi

 

it states optional, the required to send is the most recent one meaning 2017

 

23 b is optional, if you had the 3 most recent taxes you could send all 3, the important one is the most recent one

 

you also need to send a letter explaining why you weren't required to file taxes for 2016

 

 

[Zandercode 0]

3 hours ago, aleful said:

hi

 

it states optional, the required to send is the most recent one meaning 2017

 

23 b is optional, if you had the 3 most recent taxes you could send all 3, the important one is the most recent one

 

you also need to send a letter explaining why you weren't required to file taxes for 2016

 

 

Thanks. So does that mean I can leave the "2nd most recent" and "3rd most recent" fields empty? And if so, would I not need a letter explaining 2016 (since it isn't mentioned anyway)? Or does it need to be filled, just no transcript required? And do I put $0 for 2016 or write-in that I didn't file?

[geowrian 22,338]

You need a letter to explain why you did not file for 2016. You don’t need to provide a copy of the return for 2015 or 2016 (if it existed), though.

[pushbrk 13,260]

You can hand write, "Income below filing threshold" in space near the 2016, AND check the not required to file box.  Or just draw an arrow from that box to 2015.  Don't check the box saying you're sending three returns but send the two anyway.