File before or after tax return?

[AnaidAaron 42]

Hi everyone, 

 

I am planning for file my AOS by the 28th of this month, which means I will file before filing for 2018 taxes. Our tax appointment is on February 5th, but I have an important event on the 30th near the Mexico border, in downtown San Diego, where there are often Border Patrol checkpoints and I am out of status, so I’d like to at least have filed before that in case we get stopped.

 

My husband said to just wait and file after our tax return so we have the most updated info on the application.  

 

 

What do you guys recommend? Your input is much appreciated. 

[C90 376]

You can only file what you have. Since tax season didn't start yet you can just send the 2017 tax returns in. Worst case scenario they'll send you an RFE for the 2018 tax return, but I doubt it since USCIS also knows that barely anyone will have their 2018 tax return yet

[eckoin 211]

14 hours ago, C90 said:

You can only file what you have. Since tax season didn't start yet you can just send the 2017 tax returns in. Worst case scenario they'll send you an RFE for the 2018 tax return, but I doubt it since USCIS also knows that barely anyone will have their 2018 tax return yet

Can you even get your tax return in? I have my W-2, but since the government is idling, IRS won't process it, no? 

[C90 376]

Just now, eckoin said:

Can you even get your tax return in? I have my W-2, but since the government is idling, IRS won't process it, no? 

Probably not, that's why it's very, very unlikely that USCIS would make a problem out of it. 2017 tax return is the most recent for now, just send that (and 2016 + 2015, but that's only optional!)

 

I think I read somewhere that the shutdown doesn't effect IRS yet, but if they're still in shutdown around March/April it could cause a delay for getting your return payed out. I only read this online, so this is not a very reliable source lol. Financial advisor would know best.

[eckoin 211]

21 minutes ago, C90 said:

Probably not, that's why it's very, very unlikely that USCIS would make a problem out of it. 2017 tax return is the most recent for now, just send that (and 2016 + 2015, but that's only optional!)

 

I think I read somewhere that the shutdown doesn't effect IRS yet, but if they're still in shutdown around March/April it could cause a delay for getting your return payed out. I only read this online, so this is not a very reliable source lol. Financial advisor would know best.

Oh yeah, turns out I am wrong 

 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/01/08/government-shutdown-tax-refunds-filing-starts-jan-29/2511995002/

 

Can begin filing at the end of January, workers called back from furlough. 

 

But either way, until April, no one can demand a new tax return since you don't have to file it until then. 

[AlicerCooper 32]

We're submitting our AOS this week and won't have the federal tax form. I am going to write a quick note, but they should understand that you won't have it at the time of filing and 2017 is the most recent.