New I-864EZ Part 5 Question 4

[Tesco 70]

Just preparing the new I-864EZ for submission after Feb 24^th, (exp 10/31/2021). Regarding part 5 question 4 (‘My Current Individual Annual Income’) would this be:

My expected income for the current 2020 tax year?

Or

For the 12 months from date of filing? For example if I filed on March 9^th 2020, this would be projected income until March 8^th 2021?

Would this amount, be gross pay as shown on the top line of W-2?

Question 6a\b\c looks straight forward insomuch as it’s the total income from your 1040 to include all income, which could be higher than ‘My Current Individual Annual Income’ to take into account interest/or spouse income if filing MFJ

The new I-864EZ looks pretty much like the old version, though any reference to 1040EZ should have been removed, as that form is no longer used.

Edited February 8, 2020 by Tesco

[Wuozopo 4,293]

2 hours ago, Tesco said:

The new I-864EZ looks pretty much like the old version, though any reference to 1040EZ should have been removed, as that form is no longer used.

Amounts from the 3 latest tax returns are requested on the form. 2017 and 2018 might be an EZ for some sponsors. 2019 would not have an EZ
 

To simplify your question about “My Current Individual Annual Income”—It’s what you make on the day you sign this form IF you can prove it on paper.  Examples:

• If your 2019 tax return says on Line 7b that you made $21,000 and it’s not a joint return and that’s all you submit for evidence, then put that figure because that’s all you’re proving.
• Maybe you were student and didn’t even work half of 2019, but when you got employed from June to December 2019, you made $3,000/month.  Put $36,000 as your Income ($3000x12 months) and submit 6 months of pay stubs to show you earn $3k per month. That is an optional proof per the instructions.
• Maybe on February 1, 2020 you got a raise to $3500/month. Put $42,000 as current income ($3500x12 months) IF you get an employer letter that says your current salary is $42,000 annually. Employer letter is an optional proof.

Don’t enter any amount that you can not submit a proof for. A tax return is required no matter what it says. You can prove more annual income with pay stubs and/or an employer letter. On a joint return, it has to be your income you report so include something that shows your separate income like a W2 and your 1099s if including investment income, and report just your income on “My current annual income”. A joint tax return does not indicate which spouse earned what, thus you have to show your part with other evidence. 

 

On 6a/b/c just copy straight off your tax return whatever it says, even if single, joint, or joint with a former spouse. That is what your tax return says.  

2018 is your most recent tax return until April 15. If you file your 2019 taxes before you submit the form, then let 2019 be your most recent. 

 

Edited February 8, 2020 by Wuozopo

[Tesco 70]

14 minutes ago, Wuozopo said:

Amounts from the 3 latest tax returns are requested on the form. 2017 and 2018 might be an EZ for some sponsors. 2019 would not have an EZ
 

To simplify your question about “My Current Individual Annual Income”—It’s what you make on the day you sign this form IF you can prove it on paper.  Examples:

• If your 2019 tax return says on Line 7b that you made $21,000 and it’s not a joint return and that’s all you submit for evidence, then put that figure because that’s all you’re proving.
• Maybe you were student and didn’t even work half of 2019, but when you got employed from June to December 2019, you made $3,000/month.  Put $36,000 as your Income ($3000x12 months) and submit 6 months of pay stubs to show you earn $3k per month. That is an optional proof per the instructions.
• Maybe on February 1, 2020 you got a raise to $3500/month. Put $42,000 as current income ($3500x12 months) IF you get an employer letter that says your current salary is $42,000 annually. Employer letter is an optional proof.

Don’t enter any amount that you can not submit a proof for. A tax return is required no matter what it says. You can prove more annual income with pay stubs and/or an employer letter. On a joint return, it has to be your income you report so include something that shows your separate income like a W2 and your 1099s if including investment income, and report just your income on “My current annual income”. A joint tax return does not indicate which spouse earned what, thus you have to show your part with other evidence. 

 

On 6a/b/c just copy straight off your tax return whatever it says, even if single, joint, or joint with a former spouse. That is what your tax return says.  

2018 is your most recent tax return until April 15. If you file your 2019 taxes before you submit the form, then let 2019 be your most recent. 

 

Thanks Wuozopo - I've just filed 2019 and will order a transcript in a few weeks. I will need to supply a W-2, as I filed MFJ. Cheers

[Wuozopo 4,293]

1 minute ago, Tesco said:

Thanks Wuozopo - I've just filed 2019 and will order a transcript in a few weeks. I will need to supply a W-2, as I filed MFJ. Cheers

I would kinda point it out to them by photocopying the W2 on a full size page and writing boldly in the extra space—-

W2 included to show proof of my separate income since my 2019 tax return was a joint return.

Always connect the dots for them.