[I-944] Obtaining my IRS tax transcripts is currently IMPOSSIBLE?

[Dory 8]

Hello,

 

I am a US citizen trying to file for a marriage-based green card with my (non-US citizen) spouse who currently is residing within the USA. We have no dependents.

 

We have completed the "full I-130 package", and the "full I-485 package" EXCEPT for one single item: my IRS tax transcripts required for the hellish I-944 supporting document requirements (a subset of the I-485 package). 

 

My spouse successfully used the online IRS website to instantly get her tax transcripts. However, this website has so far been a dead end for me. The reason? In order for the IRS to verify my identity and order the transcripts instantly through their online website, I must to provide one of the following identifiers:

 

• The last 8 digits of one of my credit cards (which is NOT an American Express card)
• A student loan account number
• An auto loan account number
• A mortgage or home equity loan account number
• A home equity line of credit account number

 

The problem? I do not have ANY of these. I have never taken out a loan or mortgage at any point in my life, and my one credit card that I've used all my life is an Amex, which they do not recognize for some reason.

 

So it looks like the instant IRS transcript access is off the table, what other options are present?

 

1. I can fill out and mail Form 4506-T to an IRS office and have them mail me back the forms in 3-5 weeks, which is a painfully long delay for my entire green card application process.
   • EXCEPT, according to the IRS helpline, the IRS offices which process these are closed due to COVID-19, so even if I send it, who knows how incredibly long it will take to get back to me. I filled out an application and mailed it last week, but don't expect to see anything come from it anytime soon, especially with how there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19. 
2. I can call the IRS Transcript Order phone line [800-908-9946] and place an order over the phone for my IRS tax transcripts, which would then take 7-10 days to be mailed to me (an annoying, but tolerable delay in my application)
   • EXCEPT, if anyone calls this number, you'll see that it does not work! Presumably due to COVID-19, the phone order system is just unusable -- and, again, who knows how long it will remain that way??

 

Currently I have included my last 3 years of 1040 tax return forms, in my I-485 application as a sort of substitute for the tax transcripts even though I know that the transcripts are what they are asking for. I do know that this is not what they want in the application. 

 

******************************

 

I really, really want to get this application submitted as soon as possible as my spouse and I really need her to obtain employment authorization + ability to travel back to her home country as soon as possible. So, here are my main questions:

 

• Is anyone else stuck in a similar situation? How are you handling it?

 

• Could I ... (1) mail in my I-130 package by itself, and then mail in my I-485 package later once I get my transcripts? (2) mail in BOTH my I-130 and I-485 packages with an explanation in my cover letters stating my current situation and stating that I will mail them my IRS tax transcripts as soon as it is possible for me to actually do so? 
  • Side Question: Is online I-130/I-485 package filing a thing? Is it smarter to file online given all the COVID business? It would save me some $$$ for shipping since the I-944 supporting documents make the application into a huge pile of papers...

 

• In the hopes of being able to get my transcripts online, I ordered a new VISA credit card from my bank which arrived today. I activated it and used it to purchase one thing, but when I tried to use it to get through the IRS website it (unsurprisingly) did not work. Does anyone know roughly how long it might take the IRS to "recognize" a new credit card? 

 

Thank you so much for any help or feedback,

 

--Zach

Edited June 24, 2020 by zwrouse

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

you dont have a copy of your tax filings ?

[arken 4,197]

28 minutes ago, zwrouse said:

 

I really, really want to get this application submitted as soon as possible as my spouse and I really need her to obtain employment authorization + ability to travel back to her home country as soon as possible. So, here are my main questions:

 

• Is anyone else stuck in a similar situation? How are you handling it?

 

One option is to submit tax return documents: copies of submitted tax return forms, w2s, any schedules and such.

 

 

 

Quote

• Could I ... (1) mail in my I-130 package by itself, and then mail in my I-485 package later once I get my transcripts?
   

Yes. Why not file i130 online?

 

Quote

•  
• (2) mail in BOTH my I-130 and I-485 packages with an explanation in my cover letters stating my current situation and stating that I will mail them my IRS tax transcripts as soon as it is possible for me to actually do so? 

Bad move, either you get a RFE or straight up denial. Not worth taking that risk.

 

 

Quote

• • Side Question: Is online I-130/I-485 package filing a thing? Is it smarter to file online given all the COVID business? It would save me some $$$ for shipping since the I-944 supporting documents make the application into a huge pile of papers...

you can only file i130 online not the i485.

 

 

Quote

• In the hopes of being able to get my transcripts online, I ordered a new VISA credit card from my bank which arrived today. I activated it and used it to purchase one thing, but when I tried to use it to get through the IRS website it (unsurprisingly) did not work. Does anyone know roughly how long it might take the IRS to "recognize" a new credit card? 

It’s not about IRS recognizing the new credit card, it’s about if they see your info from your credit history. It may take up to two months for credit card companies to report your info to the credit bureau. Only then IRS can see your info.

Edited June 24, 2020 by arken

[Dory 8]

11 minutes ago, James120383 said:

you dont have a copy of your tax filings ?

Hello,

 

I have ALL of my 1040 tax return forms from the last three years (which I believe are the most typical format in which people "save" their tax return info...) and currently have that included in my I-485 applciation.

 

The problem is that in the I-944 instructions (near the bottom of the linked page), it specifically states that they specifically want you to provide IRS tax transcripts, which is a different form entirely.  

 

I've attached a screen capture from the relevant section of the USCIS I-944 instructions...

 

Edited June 24, 2020 by zwrouse

[Dory 8]

4 minutes ago, arken said:

One option is to submit tax return documents: copies of submitted tax return forms, w2s, any schedules and such.

Hello, 

 

Thank you for your reply. I have my past three years of 1040 tax return forms and W-2's from my job included in my application as a way of trying to "substitute" for my lack of an IRS tax transcript. 

 

My hesitation to submit this in lieu of an actual official "IRS tax transcript" is based on both the USCIS I-944 instructions and also websites such as Boundless which both state the need for an "IRS tax return transcript" and never mention 1040 forms.

 

Do you know if 1040 forms + W-2 Forms are adequate substitutes for an IRS tax transcript for the purposes of Proof of Income for the I-944 / Public Charge thing?

 

Thanks again,

--Zach

[arken 4,197]

If the instruction specifically calls for transcripts only then that is the way to go. 

Edited June 24, 2020 by arken

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

you could file I-130 online and wait for transcripts to file I-485.  That way you get the I-130 process rolling 

[Dory 8]

2 hours ago, James120383 said:

you could file I-130 online and wait for transcripts to file I-485.  That way you get the I-130 process rolling 

Hello,

Thanks for your response. Is there a time limit between when I submit an I-130 package and when I'd need to submit the follow-up I-485 package?

[igoyougoduke 1,656]

Just now, zwrouse said:

Hello,

Thanks for your response. Is there a time limit between when I submit an I-130 package and when I'd need to submit the follow-up I-485 package?

No there is no time limit. you wont get Green card unless you file I-485 so there is that. once you get your documents ready you can file 485 with i-130 receipt 

[nastra30 2,284]

19 hours ago, zwrouse said:

Hello,

 

I am a US citizen trying to file for a marriage-based green card with my (non-US citizen) spouse who currently is residing within the USA. We have no dependents.

 

We have completed the "full I-130 package", and the "full I-485 package" EXCEPT for one single item: my IRS tax transcripts required for the hellish I-944 supporting document requirements (a subset of the I-485 package). 

 

My spouse successfully used the online IRS website to instantly get her tax transcripts. However, this website has so far been a dead end for me. The reason? In order for the IRS to verify my identity and order the transcripts instantly through their online website, I must to provide one of the following identifiers:

 

• The last 8 digits of one of my credit cards (which is NOT an American Express card)
• A student loan account number
• An auto loan account number
• A mortgage or home equity loan account number
• A home equity line of credit account number

 

The problem? I do not have ANY of these. I have never taken out a loan or mortgage at any point in my life, and my one credit card that I've used all my life is an Amex, which they do not recognize for some reason.

 

So it looks like the instant IRS transcript access is off the table, what other options are present?

 

1. I can fill out and mail Form 4506-T to an IRS office and have them mail me back the forms in 3-5 weeks, which is a painfully long delay for my entire green card application process.
   • EXCEPT, according to the IRS helpline, the IRS offices which process these are closed due to COVID-19, so even if I send it, who knows how incredibly long it will take to get back to me. I filled out an application and mailed it last week, but don't expect to see anything come from it anytime soon, especially with how there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19. 
2. I can call the IRS Transcript Order phone line [800-908-9946] and place an order over the phone for my IRS tax transcripts, which would then take 7-10 days to be mailed to me (an annoying, but tolerable delay in my application)
   • EXCEPT, if anyone calls this number, you'll see that it does not work! Presumably due to COVID-19, the phone order system is just unusable -- and, again, who knows how long it will remain that way??

 

Currently I have included my last 3 years of 1040 tax return forms, in my I-485 application as a sort of substitute for the tax transcripts even though I know that the transcripts are what they are asking for. I do know that this is not what they want in the application. 

 

******************************

 

I really, really want to get this application submitted as soon as possible as my spouse and I really need her to obtain employment authorization + ability to travel back to her home country as soon as possible. So, here are my main questions:

 

• Is anyone else stuck in a similar situation? How are you handling it?

 

• Could I ... (1) mail in my I-130 package by itself, and then mail in my I-485 package later once I get my transcripts? (2) mail in BOTH my I-130 and I-485 packages with an explanation in my cover letters stating my current situation and stating that I will mail them my IRS tax transcripts as soon as it is possible for me to actually do so? 
  • Side Question: Is online I-130/I-485 package filing a thing? Is it smarter to file online given all the COVID business? It would save me some $$$ for shipping since the I-944 supporting documents make the application into a huge pile of papers...

 

• In the hopes of being able to get my transcripts online, I ordered a new VISA credit card from my bank which arrived today. I activated it and used it to purchase one thing, but when I tried to use it to get through the IRS website it (unsurprisingly) did not work. Does anyone know roughly how long it might take the IRS to "recognize" a new credit card? 

 

Thank you so much for any help or feedback,

 

--Zach

Op, I believe when you go through the IRS verification process, at the end it gives you the option to request a code/pin through the mail to use to activate your account. So in your case, even though you won't get instant verification, you can wait a week or two to get this code in the mail. I might not be getting my fact here exactly, but I know the option to get a code in the mail exist; look into it.

[Sukie 1,460]

Everyone is in the same boat with the IRS right now.  I'm a US Citizen, and I cannot get my transcripts online, and the IRS is neither mailing the "code" or transcripts at this time.  If you are eager to get going, the only thing you can do right now is send in full copies of your tax returns, plus the W-2s, 1099s, etc., that you submitted.

 

They prefer tax transcripts, but if the IRS is not sending transcripts, then they cannot force you to send them.  Just photocopy your complete tax packet for each year, and send it in.  Be sure the returns are signed before you copy them.

 

Sukie in NY

[bradoony 54]

3 hours ago, nastra30 said:

Op, I believe when you go through the IRS verification process, at the end it gives you the option to request a code/pin through the mail to use to activate your account. So in your case, even though you won't get instant verification, you can wait a week or two to get this code in the mail. I might not be getting my fact here exactly, but I know the option to get a code in the mail exist; look into it.

The mailing option is for the code/pin is also not available at this time. 

[bradoony 54]

22 hours ago, zwrouse said:

Hello,

 

I am a US citizen trying to file for a marriage-based green card with my (non-US citizen) spouse who currently is residing within the USA. We have no dependents.

 

We have completed the "full I-130 package", and the "full I-485 package" EXCEPT for one single item: my IRS tax transcripts required for the hellish I-944 supporting document requirements (a subset of the I-485 package). 

 

My spouse successfully used the online IRS website to instantly get her tax transcripts. However, this website has so far been a dead end for me. The reason? In order for the IRS to verify my identity and order the transcripts instantly through their online website, I must to provide one of the following identifiers:

 

• The last 8 digits of one of my credit cards (which is NOT an American Express card)
• A student loan account number
• An auto loan account number
• A mortgage or home equity loan account number
• A home equity line of credit account number

 

The problem? I do not have ANY of these. I have never taken out a loan or mortgage at any point in my life, and my one credit card that I've used all my life is an Amex, which they do not recognize for some reason.

 

So it looks like the instant IRS transcript access is off the table, what other options are present?

 

1. I can fill out and mail Form 4506-T to an IRS office and have them mail me back the forms in 3-5 weeks, which is a painfully long delay for my entire green card application process.
   • EXCEPT, according to the IRS helpline, the IRS offices which process these are closed due to COVID-19, so even if I send it, who knows how incredibly long it will take to get back to me. I filled out an application and mailed it last week, but don't expect to see anything come from it anytime soon, especially with how there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19. 
2. I can call the IRS Transcript Order phone line [800-908-9946] and place an order over the phone for my IRS tax transcripts, which would then take 7-10 days to be mailed to me (an annoying, but tolerable delay in my application)
   • EXCEPT, if anyone calls this number, you'll see that it does not work! Presumably due to COVID-19, the phone order system is just unusable -- and, again, who knows how long it will remain that way??

 

Currently I have included my last 3 years of 1040 tax return forms, in my I-485 application as a sort of substitute for the tax transcripts even though I know that the transcripts are what they are asking for. I do know that this is not what they want in the application. 

 

******************************

 

I really, really want to get this application submitted as soon as possible as my spouse and I really need her to obtain employment authorization + ability to travel back to her home country as soon as possible. So, here are my main questions:

 

• Is anyone else stuck in a similar situation? How are you handling it?

 

• Could I ... (1) mail in my I-130 package by itself, and then mail in my I-485 package later once I get my transcripts? (2) mail in BOTH my I-130 and I-485 packages with an explanation in my cover letters stating my current situation and stating that I will mail them my IRS tax transcripts as soon as it is possible for me to actually do so? 
  • Side Question: Is online I-130/I-485 package filing a thing? Is it smarter to file online given all the COVID business? It would save me some $$$ for shipping since the I-944 supporting documents make the application into a huge pile of papers...

 

• In the hopes of being able to get my transcripts online, I ordered a new VISA credit card from my bank which arrived today. I activated it and used it to purchase one thing, but when I tried to use it to get through the IRS website it (unsurprisingly) did not work. Does anyone know roughly how long it might take the IRS to "recognize" a new credit card? 

 

Thank you so much for any help or feedback,

 

--Zach

We were in the same exact situation. I was waiting on my credit card and then one more moth to past so they can verify me.( If you get a credit card, It will take you about an month to show in the system ) But there is other thing - After they verify the identity with the credit card, the ask for a phone number which is connected to your name. If you do not have that, you cant get transcript as well. We just send ours 1040"s and W2"s and letter explaining how we cant get the transcript and evidence. So you have an option to wait for the credit card or just do the same. I do not think is a big deal since you are providing your 1040 and W2. It serves the same purposes and due to the COVID they would probably understand the situation. If they do not, they will send you RFE to provide the transcript. Work on getting it ready and If you send it right away after you receive RFE it will now slow your process. 

[Ontarkie 14,221]

~~Hijack post removed. Please do not post question for your own case in other members threads.~~

[AnnPowell0614 0]

On 6/24/2020 at 1:12 PM, Dory said:

Hello,

 

I am a US citizen trying to file for a marriage-based green card with my (non-US citizen) spouse who currently is residing within the USA. We have no dependents.

 

We have completed the "full I-130 package", and the "full I-485 package" EXCEPT for one single item: my IRS tax transcripts required for the hellish I-944 supporting document requirements (a subset of the I-485 package). 

 

My spouse successfully used the online IRS website to instantly get her tax transcripts. However, this website has so far been a dead end for me. The reason? In order for the IRS to verify my identity and order the transcripts instantly through their online website, I must to provide one of the following identifiers:

 

• The last 8 digits of one of my credit cards (which is NOT an American Express card)
• A student loan account number
• An auto loan account number
• A mortgage or home equity loan account number
• A home equity line of credit account number

 

The problem? I do not have ANY of these. I have never taken out a loan or mortgage at any point in my life, and my one credit card that I've used all my life is an Amex, which they do not recognize for some reason.

 

So it looks like the instant IRS transcript access is off the table, what other options are present?

 

1. I can fill out and mail Form 4506-T to an IRS office and have them mail me back the forms in 3-5 weeks, which is a painfully long delay for my entire green card application process.
   • EXCEPT, according to the IRS helpline, the IRS offices which process these are closed due to COVID-19, so even if I send it, who knows how incredibly long it will take to get back to me. I filled out an application and mailed it last week, but don't expect to see anything come from it anytime soon, especially with how there has been a recent uptick in COVID-19. 
2. I can call the IRS Transcript Order phone line [800-908-9946] and place an order over the phone for my IRS tax transcripts, which would then take 7-10 days to be mailed to me (an annoying, but tolerable delay in my application)
   • EXCEPT, if anyone calls this number, you'll see that it does not work! Presumably due to COVID-19, the phone order system is just unusable -- and, again, who knows how long it will remain that way??

 

Currently I have included my last 3 years of 1040 tax return forms, in my I-485 application as a sort of substitute for the tax transcripts even though I know that the transcripts are what they are asking for. I do know that this is not what they want in the application. 

 

******************************

 

I really, really want to get this application submitted as soon as possible as my spouse and I really need her to obtain employment authorization + ability to travel back to her home country as soon as possible. So, here are my main questions:

 

• Is anyone else stuck in a similar situation? How are you handling it?

 

• Could I ... (1) mail in my I-130 package by itself, and then mail in my I-485 package later once I get my transcripts? (2) mail in BOTH my I-130 and I-485 packages with an explanation in my cover letters stating my current situation and stating that I will mail them my IRS tax transcripts as soon as it is possible for me to actually do so? 
  • Side Question: Is online I-130/I-485 package filing a thing? Is it smarter to file online given all the COVID business? It would save me some $$$ for shipping since the I-944 supporting documents make the application into a huge pile of papers...

 

• In the hopes of being able to get my transcripts online, I ordered a new VISA credit card from my bank which arrived today. I activated it and used it to purchase one thing, but when I tried to use it to get through the IRS website it (unsurprisingly) did not work. Does anyone know roughly how long it might take the IRS to "recognize" a new credit card? 

 

Thank you so much for any help or feedback,

 

--Zach

I can't request an online account because of the same reason, and I can't request by mail, either. They said the address I gave doesn't match with what on record. I don't know what's wrong. 

I think my question is... What is IRS transcript anyway???? What is exacted needed in I-944? 

Anyone knows??? Thanks.