IRS & COVID (form I-944)

[juancarlos 126]

Hi guys,

 

I need some advice: I have been working while I do my masters and this is the first time I have filed taxes in the US. I sent them by mail in April (online is only for residents apparently) but due to COVID, IRS says that they are not processing tax returns.

 

So basically I did not get a refund yet and IRS still has not my information, I don't exist for them. For this reason I cannot get IRS transcripts that form I-944 requires.

 

What should I do?

 

1) Indicate in the form I-944 that this year I did not fill taxes? I did but they did not process them yet so technically still not filled.

 

2) Send a copy of my 1040NR, together with W-2, paystubs, contracts, etc? To show that I am working and I filled taxes this year.

 

3) Should I write a letter explaining that I was unable to get the transcripts due to covid? Or better not to mention anything and see if what I provide is enough?

 

Honestly I don't want to lose more time waiting for IRS to start again processing paper returns, this pandemic is gonna last.

 

Thoughts? It is the only thing I am missing from that form. 

[WandY 430]

Everyone should be filing electronically. The IRS is - and has been - processing electronic returns. I suggest you hire a CPA. Saves a lot of time, frustration, and money.

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-taxpayers-to-use-electronic-options-outlines-online-assistance

 

 

[juancarlos 126]

7 hours ago, WandY said:

Everyone should be filing electronically. The IRS is - and has been - processing electronic returns. I suggest you hire a CPA. Saves a lot of time, frustration, and money.

 

https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-urges-taxpayers-to-use-electronic-options-outlines-online-assistance

 

 

I am non resident so we cannot fill electronically as far as I know.

[E_pluribus_unum 73]

Hey Juancarlos,

I had a similar issue in that I paper filed the most recent return and it is still not processed. This may work for your situation.

I simply mailed the IRS forms I filed, attached W2 and income statements, and attached paystubs.

On top of the return, I put a signed cover letter explaining why I was unable to obtain transcripts. No response yet but I assume they will understand that the current situation is not making it easy to obtain some items. 

 

[juancarlos 126]

37 minutes ago, E_pluribus_unum said:

Hey Juancarlos,

I had a similar issue in that I paper filed the most recent return and it is still not processed. This may work for your situation.

I simply mailed the IRS forms I filed, attached W2 and income statements, and attached paystubs.

On top of the return, I put a signed cover letter explaining why I was unable to obtain transcripts. No response yet but I assume they will understand that the current situation is not making it easy to obtain some items. 

 

Thank you! I will send you a DM.

[juancarlos 126]

An update to the post: I called USCIS by telephone and after 4 hours I got to talk with an agent and I asked the same question. She said that I can include my wife's tax return only (she is a US citizen and her incomes are above the 125% stated in the instructions). 

 

I insisted to the lady that I mailed my taxes but IRS did not process them yet due to COVID-19 and she said, it's ok with my wife's taxes only. I don't know, I'm still a little bit worried about it but oh well. Maybe I just include my W-2, paystubs and contract of current employment and that's all.

 

 

Edited June 26, 2020 by juancarlos

[payxibka 10,045]

8 hours ago, juancarlos said:

I am non resident so we cannot fill electronically as far as I know.

The moment it is postmarked it is considered filed

[bradoony 54]

On 6/25/2020 at 11:57 PM, juancarlos said:

Hi guys,

 

I need some advice: I have been working while I do my masters and this is the first time I have filed taxes in the US. I sent them by mail in April (online is only for residents apparently) but due to COVID, IRS says that they are not processing tax returns.

 

So basically I did not get a refund yet and IRS still has not my information, I don't exist for them. For this reason I cannot get IRS transcripts that form I-944 requires.

 

What should I do?

 

1) Indicate in the form I-944 that this year I did not fill taxes? I did but they did not process them yet so technically still not filled.

 

2) Send a copy of my 1040NR, together with W-2, paystubs, contracts, etc? To show that I am working and I filled taxes this year.

 

3) Should I write a letter explaining that I was unable to get the transcripts due to covid? Or better not to mention anything and see if what I provide is enough?

 

Honestly I don't want to lose more time waiting for IRS to start again processing paper returns, this pandemic is gonna last.

 

Thoughts? It is the only thing I am missing from that form. 

Hey Juan, I don't think anybody can tell you the "correct" thing to do, but I can tell you what we did. We provided anything related to the tax transcript that we could provice AND and explanation AND proofs of how the transcript is not obtainable (ex. screen shots from IRS website stating that they can't provide it through mail, etc.). We provided most recent tax return copy, W2's, and a written letter of why we don't have it. We just filed last week and I am hoping that will work. 

[juancarlos 126]

2 hours ago, bradoony said:

Hey Juan, I don't think anybody can tell you the "correct" thing to do, but I can tell you what we did. We provided anything related to the tax transcript that we could provice AND and explanation AND proofs of how the transcript is not obtainable (ex. screen shots from IRS website stating that they can't provide it through mail, etc.). We provided most recent tax return copy, W2's, and a written letter of why we don't have it. We just filed last week and I am hoping that will work. 

Thank you guys!! That is exactly what I did and we are filling tomorrow, 

 

Let's keep in contact and see how things go in this coronavirus times.

 

Take care

[bradoony 54]

14 hours ago, juancarlos said:

Thank you guys!! That is exactly what I did and we are filling tomorrow, 

 

Let's keep in contact and see how things go in this coronavirus times.

 

Take care

Sure. We will let you know if we receive something from USCIS soon. Good luck!

[E_pluribus_unum 73]

Hey guys,

I am following up on this topic because I just tried to sign up on the IRS website again today and today it did give me the option to request the security code by mail where previously this was not an option. I requested my code by mail and see if it will arrive. I have already sent my package but if USCIS sends an RFIE then I will at least have this. Just a heads up if you guys want to try to sign up again.