Help with I-864a Part 4 Lines 2a-2c

[Silove 0]

I'm helping my parents fill out the I-864a forms (I am the primary sponsor, and they are household members.) They filed their taxes jointly, and in the form it asks, "My (the household member) total income (adjusted gross income on IRS Form 1040EZ) as reported on my Federal income tax returns for the most recent three years was:"

 

Are we ok to use the 1040 adjusted gross income when it is the income of both parents, or should I be putting their income from their W-2s since they are wanting a form from each parent and therefore would show individual incomes? I'm leaning toward the first one, but I'm just not sure.

[NikLR 13,227]

Your parents should file an I-864 and I-864a to your I-864. 

 

[Silove 0]

1 minute ago, NikLR said:

Your parents should file an I-864 and I-864a to your I-864. 

 

It was my understanding that since I live with them, they would both be considered household members rather than one being a joint sponsor...? Can anyone clarify?

[NikLR 13,227]

3 minutes ago, Silove said:

It was my understanding that since I live with them, they would both be considered household members rather than one being a joint sponsor...? Can anyone clarify?

Only if you need to combine your income with theirs.  Even if they claimed you as a dependent last year, you're married now and this is your own household.  You can search the numerous threads related to this exact issue if you would like. 

[Silove 0]

Just now, NikLR said:

Only if you need to combine your income with theirs.  Even if they claimed you as a dependent last year, you're married now and this is your own household.  You can search the numerous threads related to this exact issue if you would like. 

I do need to combine their income with mine. I was laid off my job at the end of the year. So I'm filing the I-864 as the petitioner, and then was going to have my parents, as household members, fill out the I-864a. My dad's income alone is more than sufficient, but I was fairly certain that if he had filed jointly with my mom, she was also required to file an I-864a. I hope that helps clarify my situation and thanks for the help so far. 

 

I've tried searching the threads (and am continuing to while I'm waiting for answers here) but so far haven't seen my specific question of if I use their joint filing adjusted gross income where it asks to list out their most recent three years of income.

[NikLR 13,227]

2 minutes ago, Silove said:

I do need to combine their income with mine. I was laid off my job at the end of the year. So I'm filing the I-864 as the petitioner, and then was going to have my parents, as household members, fill out the I-864a. My dad's income alone is more than sufficient, but I was fairly certain that if he had filed jointly with my mom, she was also required to file an I-864a. I hope that helps clarify my situation and thanks for the help so far. 

 

I've tried searching the threads (and am continuing to while I'm waiting for answers here) but so far haven't seen my specific question of if I use their joint filing adjusted gross income where it asks to list out their most recent three years of income.

You don't have income.  You need a joint sponsor who does.  There's a difference.  Regardless you and your father should both complete I-864 and your mother an I-864a with your father's I-864. 

 

If they filed a 1040ez then they use their AGI.  If they filed a 1040 then they use gross income,

[Silove 0]

2 minutes ago, NikLR said:

You don't have income.  You need a joint sponsor who does.  There's a difference.  Regardless you and your father should both complete I-864 and your mother an I-864a with your father's I-864. 

 

If they filed a 1040ez then they use their AGI.  If they filed a 1040 then they use gross income,

Ok, thank you so much for your help! That makes more sense. 

 

They filed a 1040 (honestly I've never understood the difference so maybe this is where my ignorance stems.) Is the adjusted income the same as the income stated on the W-2? Thank you once again

[NikLR 13,227]

Just now, Silove said:

Ok, thank you so much for your help! That makes more sense. 

 

They filed a 1040 (honestly I've never understood the difference so maybe this is where my ignorance stems.) Is the adjusted income the same as the income stated on the W-2? Thank you once again

no.

adjusted gross income is from their tax return.

 

Their current income is their current income and has nothing to do with their tax return or w2. 

[Silove 0]

1 hour ago, NikLR said:

no.

adjusted gross income is from their tax return.

 

Their current income is their current income and has nothing to do with their tax return or w2. 

Do we need to provide proof that my mom is related to my dad beyond the joint filing? They are not sure where their marriage license is.

[NikLR 13,227]

2 hours ago, Silove said:

Do we need to provide proof that my mom is related to my dad beyond the joint filing? They are not sure where their marriage license is.

Not normally.