Tax Returns & Affidavit of Support Questions

[MisterModo 2]

Hi.  I've been living in Taiwan since late 2010, working as an English teacher.  My wife is Taiwanese and we've been married over 2 years now.  We want to immigrate to the U.S.  I have a couple of finance related questions about the visa process.

 

Since coming to Taiwan, I have not filed any Tax Returns in the USA.  I have done my taxes, most years, in Taiwan.  We are just beginning the visa process and I'm not sure what the consequences are, if any, of my failure to file in the US for the last 9 years...!  Do I need to do some back taxes?  My income was never large enough to owe any taxes, but I'm guessing my failure to report is a problem for the immigration process?

 

My second question is about the Affidavit of Support.  This year, I've been working as a private tutor and all my income is off the books.  I do have decent savings, however, and assets in the form of stocks and some inheritance.  Can I use my savings and stocks to prove the Affidavit of Support, even though I don't have official income at the moment?  Or, could my parents back me up somehow in this?

 

Both of my questions are a bit confounded by the fact that, from November 2017 to January 2019, my wife and I took 14 months off work to travel.  So....  I haven't had an official job for going on 20 months now.  Does anyone know how this might factor into both the issues above?

[MisterModo 2]

Alright, I apologize for some dumb questions here.  I should've researched a bit more myself, first.  I see now that I need to submit 3 years of tax returns down the road at the interview.  And, as I don't have income to report for 2018/2019, I'm sure I will need one of my parents to do the I-864.

 

I guess I do still have some questions, such as what kind of requirements are needed for an acceptable I-864 or joint sponsorship.  Both my parents are retired but fairly wealthy.  They are divorced.  My Dad has more money but my Mom is easier to deal with, lol.  Which one should I ask?  Also, I'm thinking I will need an accountant.  I just wonder if I can use one here in Taiwan, or will I need an accountant in the USA?