I-864EZ - Checklist Vs. Form Instructions

[SMK 89 68]

I've re-read this this form and it's instructions so many times but I remain confused.

 

I-130 for Mom, and another for Dad. My income alone meets sponsorship requirements. I am completing I-864EZ for both parents. Although my personal income is enough and I do not need my husband's income to count, we always file married joint. 

 

• I-864EZ Form says:

 

"You MUST attach a photocopy or transcript of your Federal income tax return for only the recent year"

 

• The Instructions document says:

 

"Item Numbers 5.a. - 6.c. Federal Income Tax Information. You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years. You are not required to have the IRS certify the transcript or photocopy unless specifically instructed to do so by a Government official; a plain transcript or photocopy is acceptable. Do not submit copies of your state income tax returns. Do not submit any tax returns that you filed with any foreign government unless you claim that you were not required to file a Federal income tax return with the United States government, and you wish to rely on the foreign return solely to establish the amount of your income that is not subject to tax in the United States.

 

If you provide a photocopy of your tax returns, you must include a copy of each and every FormW-2 and Form 1099 that relates to your returns. Do not include copies of these forms if you provide an IRS transcript of your returns rather than a photocopy unless you filed a joint tax return with your spouse."

 

Based on the above 2 bullets, I read this (based on my circumstance) that I am to attach:

1. IRS Transcript for 2023
2. 2023 W-2 for me (because I filed a joint tax return with my spouse)
3. 2023 W-2 for husband W-2 (because I filed a joint tax return with my spouse)

 

But then...the "Checklist" at the end of the I-864EZ Form Instructions PDF say:

 

"The following items must be submitted with Form I-864EZ:

For ALL sponsors: A copy of your individual Federal income tax return, including W-2s for the most recent tax year, or a statement and/or evidence describing why you were not required to file. Also include a copy of each and every Form 1099, Schedule, and any other evidence of reported income. You may submit this information for the three most recent tax years, pay stubs from the most recent six months, and/or a letter from your employer if you believe any of these items will help you qualify.

 

So I am very confused...do I submit the below?

1. IRS Transcript for 2023
2. Copy of *filed electronic* married joint 2023 Income Tax Return/1040
3. 2023 W-2 for me
4. 2023 W-2 for husband 
5. Any 1099/Schedule included in return

 

It's like their checklist contradicts the Form's earlier instructions where they don't want your whole return, and just your transcript and your personal W-2.

 

Anyone that has recently gone through similar where you are solely sponsoring a parent, but your spouse works and you file taxes joint married (but they are not needed to sponsor) .... please let me know what worked or caused an RFI!!