Joint sponsor + MFJ - IRS Tax Return Transcript and W2s and full 1040?

[canada2usa87 1]

Hi all, 
My joint sponsor does MFJ and his wife earns 0 for the past 3 years. His income alone is well above the guidelines but I know that submitting just an IRS Tax Return Transcript isn't enough because of MFJ, correct? What I'm confused about two things:
 

Do we submit either..

• IRS Tax Return Transcript for 2024 and just W2? 
• IRS Tax Transcript for 2024, W2, and 1040? 
   

Also he will submit current payslips for past 6 months, letter from employer and all the things needed for 2024 (tax transcripts, w2s etc) but does he need to submit that for 2023 or 2022 or can he leave it? I feel like it'll be 2022/2023 might be overkill but I will send it if it's best. 
 

 

[OldUser 8,648]

AFAIK, Tax Return Transcripts alone are typically enough

 

W2 + 1040 is the alternative if IRS Tax Return Transcript isn't provided.

Edited April 2 by OldUser

[pushbrk 13,333]

  On 4/2/2025 at 2:06 AM, OldUser said:

AFAIK, Tax Return Transcripts alone are typically enough

 

W2 + 1040 is the alternative if IRS Tax Return Transcript isn't provided.

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Correct, but also submit an I-864a from the joint filing spouse, even if they have no income.  Also, evidence of US Citizenship or a green card, and evidence they actually reside in the USA. (for both of them)

Edited April 2 by pushbrk

[canada2usa87 1]

What if we don't want to get his wife involved and do a 864a - in that case, the tax transcripts need something else, correct? Would the w2 suffice or would it be w2 + 1040? 

Also, can we just send it for one year (2024) but obviously report the total income for 2023 and 2022 (just not send the supporting docs since its supposedly optional?)

[pushbrk 13,333]

  On 4/2/2025 at 3:14 AM, canada2usa87 said:

What if we don't want to get his wife involved and do a 864a - in that case, the tax transcripts need something else, correct? Would the w2 suffice or would it be w2 + 1040? 

Also, can we just send it for one year (2024) but obviously report the total income for 2023 and 2022 (just not send the supporting docs since its supposedly optional?)

Expand  

Get "We don't want" from your mind.  It is very likely, the Consulate will insist on the I-864a from the joint filing spouse.  Sending something else won't help.  If they insist, the visa will not be issued until they receive the I-864a.  The affidavit of support is not just about showing a sponsor is qualified. It's a contract.  They want the joint filing spouse's signature on the contract, as it is a joint obligation.

[mam521 2,381]

  On 4/2/2025 at 3:14 AM, canada2usa87 said:

What if we don't want to get his wife involved and do a 864a - in that case, the tax transcripts need something else, correct? Would the w2 suffice or would it be w2 + 1040? 

Also, can we just send it for one year (2024) but obviously report the total income for 2023 and 2022 (just not send the supporting docs since its supposedly optional?)

Expand  

It's not going to matter.  The tax transcripts are going to list the wife's information anyway.  Follow pushbrk's instruction and fill out the I-864a.  

[pushbrk 13,333]

  On 4/2/2025 at 6:53 PM, mam521 said:

It's not going to matter.  The tax transcripts are going to list the wife's information anyway.  Follow pushbrk's instruction and fill out the I-864a.  

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Yes, of course, the Consular Officer will know the joint sponsor is married filing taxes jointly.  That cannot be hidden.

[canada2usa87 1]

This makes a lot of sense. We are now getting her to do the 864A, thank you for the input! In that case, we will just send the IRS Tax return transcripts.