Last 3 years tax returns or just 1?

[Gaiden79 14]

Hi guys, just trying to clarify. I am at the NVC stage of my process. Do I need the last 3 years tax returns or just 1 year? I am hearing it both ways. I would rather do 1 year if I can. Thanks so much as always for your help! 

[arken 4,197]

1 is required. 
Providing 3 shows your financial health.

[Gaiden79 14]

8 minutes ago, arken said:

1 is required. 
Providing 3 shows your financial health.

Thanks. So if i will need a joint sponsor would it be recommended i use 3 years if my income was never enough? 

[Liam2021 581]

4 minutes ago, Gaiden79 said:

Thanks. So if i will need a joint sponsor would it be recommended i use 3 years if my income was never enough? 

Yes. 3 years tax return shows your join sponsor has a stable income.

[Gaiden79 14]

7 minutes ago, H&T said:

Yes. 3 years tax return shows your join sponsor has a stable income.

Ok, but I meant for me. I do need a joint sponsor so should i just do 1 year of my own tax returns if none of those years were enough income? Just trying to see what would present the strongest case for me. 

 

I will def do 3 years for my sponsor though. Thanks. 

[Crazy Cat 41,411]

5 minutes ago, Gaiden79 said:

should i just do 1 year of my own tax returns if none of those years were enough income?

Tax returns reflect what was earned in the past.  Current income is king.....not what was reported in the past.  

[debbiedoo 2,339]

only 1 is required. I sent 3 combined with letter of employment and paystubs. it demonstrates financial health and stability.

[pushbrk 12,694]

3 hours ago, debbiedoo said:

only 1 is required. I sent 3 combined with letter of employment and paystubs. it demonstrates financial health and stability.

Correct for how many to "send".  But, information from three tax returns IS required, if the tax returns were required to be filed in the first place.  Three relevant questions here.

 

1.  How many tax returns are needed to complete the form?

2.  How many tax return transcript copies to send in?

3.  What is the current income and how are you going to document it?

 

Unless self employed, current income does not come from a tax return.  Tax returns are about past income.

[Gaiden79 14]

3 hours ago, debbiedoo said:

only 1 is required. I sent 3 combined with letter of employment and paystubs. it demonstrates financial health and stability.

I was asking the others in this post if i should just include 1 year of mine because i didn't meet the requirements for all the years. I would guess that wouldn't be so healthy if i included all 3 since i will have a sponsor? 

[Gaiden79 14]

11 minutes ago, pushbrk said:

Correct for how many to "send".  But, information from three tax returns IS required, if the tax returns were required to be filed in the first place.  Three relevant questions here.

 

1.  How many tax returns are needed to complete the form?

2.  How many tax return transcript copies to send in?

3.  What is the current income and how are you going to document it?

 

Unless self employed, current income does not come from a tax return.  Tax returns are about past income.

Not exactly sure what you mean sorry. You mean there is a form that asks for information from at least past 3 tax returns? 

[pushbrk 12,694]

Just now, Gaiden79 said:

Not exactly sure what you mean sorry. You mean there is a form that asks for information from at least past 3 tax returns? 

Yes, the I-864.  Have you read the form and instructions before asking questions?

[Gaiden79 14]

17 hours ago, pushbrk said:

Yes, the I-864.  Have you read the form and instructions before asking questions?

I missed that part, I see it now though thanks. 

 

Another question, if I have a joint sponsor how much do they really look at my income if i don't qualify? Thanks. 

[Lil bear 4,103]

4 minutes ago, Gaiden79 said:

 

Another question, if I have a joint sponsor how much do they really look at my income if i don't qualify? Thanks. 

They don’t. 

[Gaiden79 14]

3 minutes ago, Lil bear said:

They don’t. 

Thank you! 

[pushbrk 12,694]

5 hours ago, Lil bear said:

They don’t. 

In reality, they look at the totality of circumstances and make a judgment call.  If your "current income" qualifies you, the joint sponsor is just submitted in case the judgment goes the wrong way.