Tax documents

[Thewander 25]

Hello. Can someone answer me on what they mean by tax transcripts? Is that something I can get from TurboTax as proof that I filed? Could I submit a copy of my return? We will also have my step dad sponsor us and wondering what he’ll need regarding his taxes? I tried the IRS website but I don’t have an American credit card or anything that’s American really, as we’ve been in ireland for 3 years now. Thank you for you help. 

[payxibka 10,047]

1 minute ago, Thewander said:

Hello. Can someone answer me on what they mean by tax transcripts? Is that something I can get from TurboTax as proof that I filed? Could I submit a copy of my return? We will also have my step dad sponsor us and wondering what he’ll need regarding his taxes? I tried the IRS website but I don’t have an American credit card or anything that’s American really, as we’ve been in ireland for 3 years now. Thank you for you help. 

Tax transcripts are retrieved from the IRS. 

[Thewander 25]

3 minutes ago, payxibka said:

Tax transcripts are retrieved from the IRS. 

How would obtain them? I checked the IRS website and I don’t have the required evidence to prove my identity in order for them to release them to me 

[payxibka 10,047]

1 minute ago, Thewander said:

How would obtain them? I checked the IRS website and I don’t have the required evidence to prove my identity in order for them to release them to me 

If you are unable to self identify then online is unavailable.   You can mail in a request but may not be feasible being overseas and with covid 19.  Your only other option is to provide a complete copy of the 1040 including any support schedules and w2 or 1099, if any

[os306 103]

1 hour ago, Thewander said:

Hello. Can someone answer me on what they mean by tax transcripts? Is that something I can get from TurboTax as proof that I filed? Could I submit a copy of my return? We will also have my step dad sponsor us and wondering what he’ll need regarding his taxes? I tried the IRS website but I don’t have an American credit card or anything that’s American really, as we’ve been in ireland for 3 years now. Thank you for you help. 

To answer your question, a tax transcript is a summary of your federal income tax return information, including adjusted gross income. There are different types of tax transcripts available from the IRS (e.g. tax account transcript) but the type USCIS wants you to submit is the tax return transcript. The reason they prefer a transcript rather than a copy of your return (i.e. 1040) is because the transcript is obtained directly from the IRS and is proof that you've actually filed (whereas anyone could theoretically fill out a 1040 form and claim they've filed it). 

 

In terms of obtaining your tax return transcripts from abroad. This is currently a tricky situation. As you correctly pointed out, the IRS website doesn't let you register using "Get Transcript Online" if you filed from a foreign address. I spoke to an IRS representative on the phone a few days ago and they informed me that no tax transcripts are being mailed out at this time (because the department that processes these has not yet opened up fully). She advised me to call back in a couple of weeks. The other option is to fill out form 4506-T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return form) and fax/mail this to the IRS. However, the number to fax this to doesn't appear to be active, and it looks like nobody is around to process the form if you were to mail it in. Given the circumstances, it sounds like some Embassies are accepting complete copies of the filed 1040s (including accompanying schedules and W2 etc. as payxibka pointed out).

 

Good luck.

[Babu Frik 1,162]

It's in the guide.

 

[Ryan H 3,818]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to Tax & Finances During US Immigration forum; topic is about documentation obtained from the IRS.

[Wuozopo 4,293]

23 hours ago, Thewander said:

Hello. Can someone answer me on what they mean by tax transcripts? Is that something I can get from TurboTax as proof that I filed? Could I submit a copy of my return? We will also have my step dad sponsor us and wondering what he’ll need regarding his taxes? I tried the IRS website but I don’t have an American credit card or anything that’s American really, as we’ve been in ireland for 3 years now. Thank you for you help. 

Transcripts have been explained well already. If you use a tax return, you can print it from TurboTax if you used that to prepare your return. There are options to print. Choose the one that says only the forms for filing. Otherwise you will get a massive amount of worksheets, background material, and such which are meant for your records but are not what would be filed with the IRS.  If you worked for a foreign company and got no W2 wage statement, I would add at the end of your tax return, a page that says No W2 Issued. Then go on to explain you worked abroad for a foreign employer who did not issue you a W2. Give name and address of employer. You can add that you are unable to get an IRS transcript at this time Eric.  The NVC will be looking for a W2 or 1099 wage statement if you send a photocopy of the return. The workers there may not know enough about taxes to understand why you didn’t include a W2 wage statement and reject your submission.

 

Your Dad joint sponsor should be able to get an online return transcript. He will also need proof of his US citizenship (or permanent resident card). If he filed a joint return with a spouse, he will also need his W2 and perhaps an employer or pension statement showing his separate income qualifies. His joint tax return will lump the income together and they need to know he makes enough on his own to sponsor. Many in this situation have the joint sponsor add his spouse as Person 1 who will be a contributing household member. Then the spouse will fill out an I-864a.