I864 Income Documentation Question For NVC

[Jason and May 79]

Hey folks, 

 

I'm filling out the I-864, preparing for the NVC stage, and in part 6, section 24a-c, I am evidently required to list the adjusted gross income from my three most recent tax years, even though I am submitting only the tax transcript for my most recent tax year. 

 

Short backstory: Following 8 years in the Marine Corps, I worked as a sex offender agent for 18 years before separating from service early and going back to school in 2017. I eventually obtained an advanced degree in clinical psychology, and I am now a nationally board certified psychotherapist. I graduated in 2020. While doing a year's worth of paid and unpaid internships, my income in 2020 was only $4,691. (That last year, following my separation to do my internships, I was living primarily off my one-time lump sum payments from my pension and deferred comp. So, my 2019 tax return shows a huge income, which is inflated by the payouts.) In 2021, my adjusted gross income jumped up to over $50,000. And in 2022, it's nearly double that between my work at the public clinic and my own private practice. 

 

I know it's generally indicated NVC doesn't care about past income provided your current income documentarily well exceeds income minimums. I'm wondering, however, if to be proactive, I should write a short memorandum explaining my income disparity between 2020 and now....? 

 

Any advice from experienced VJ folks is appreciated. 

 

Thanks, all. 

 

Jason 

[K1visaHopeful 2,776]

Gross is for employed. 

Adjusted is for self-employed.

Current income is paramount.

Totality of situation could be considered.

Elaborate if you wish. 

[Dashinka 24,209]

I would not worry too much about it, but I would make sure your spouse is very well prepared with the backstory in case the CO decides to delve into the subject.

 

Good Luck!

[SteveInBostonI130 3,374]

4 hours ago, Jason and May said:

 

I know it's generally indicated NVC doesn't care about past income provided your current income documentarily well exceeds income minimums. I'm wondering, however, if to be proactive, I should write a short memorandum explaining my income disparity between 2020 and now....? 

 

 

Not needed.

 

To clarify, if your current income is good (not bare minimum qualifying), then 2020 tax return amount doesn't really matter.

[Crazy Cat 41,415]

6 hours ago, Jason and May said:

I am evidently required to list the adjusted gross income from my three most recent tax years, even though I am submitting only the tax transcript for my most recent tax year. 

 

That is correct.  However, CURRENT annual income is king.

[Jason and May 79]

Thank you all for providing input. I really appreciate it! ☺️🤙🏾

[Chancy 6,239]

*** Moved from AOS from K1 Visas forum to IR1/CR1 Process & Procedures ***

 

[pushbrk 12,694]

On 7/6/2023 at 3:01 AM, Jason and May said:

Thank you all for providing input. I really appreciate it! ☺️🤙🏾

Note that the tax section of the form asks for "total income" not "adjusted gross income"....UNLESS a 1040EZ was filed, instead of a 1040.  Not also that both those numbers are OFTEN the same.

On 7/5/2023 at 1:03 PM, K1visaHopeful said:

Gross is for employed. 

Adjusted is for self-employed.

Current income is paramount.

Totality of situation could be considered.

Elaborate if you wish. 

Total income is the number entered there whether employed or unemployed.