How do I contact the CSC about an RFE?

[Portlander 0]

The phone menu syas they're closed at 1045AM, Monday, our number isn't in their computers yet. I want to find out what they are asking for - but from what I can tell it is the Income Tax returns that I don't have because I didn't file, because I was overseas (with MY WIFE!) ... this I wrote in big thick black ink on every appropriate page that I sent them.

Their phone menu says call back during regular working hours!!! Are they on lunch? any ideas? thanks

[kimandfred 0]

It's Columbus day, so most federal offices have the day off. Just try back tomorrow.

[athena_ny 1]

The phone menu syas they're closed at 1045AM, Monday, our number isn't in their computers yet. I want to find out what they are asking for - but from what I can tell it is the Income Tax returns that I don't have because I didn't file, because I was overseas (with MY WIFE!) ... this I wrote in big thick black ink on every appropriate page that I sent them.

Their phone menu says call back during regular working hours!!! Are they on lunch? any ideas? thanks

Were you working overseas? Because US citizens have to file taxes regardless of whether they are living in the states at the time. If you made beneath a certain amount (I think it's around 16,500 for a married couple but am not sure) you don't have to file, but otherwise, you would need a tax return. That could be the problem, and why they ignored the big black ink. And if you weren't required to file, you needed to state that and not just that you were overseas.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Calling the 1-800 number will not help you with what is needed for the RFE.... they only have access to a very limmited amount of info.... being overseas with your wife does not exempt you from filling taxes... you will have to show that you did not earn enough to pay tax and if that is the case you will most likely need a co-sponsor or have considerible assets...

If you are unsure about the info requested in the RFE then make an infopass appointment at your local USCIS office and speak to an immigration officer who should be able to help you...

Kez

[Portlander 0]

Ahhhhh Columbus Day. That explains it.

I certainly stated that I was not required to file - Thats what I filed the boxes in ith, and added the reasons why in parentheses.

I didn't make enough money in any case, but when I was making money I was paying taxes locally, so I'm not liable for that, anyway.

I have a co-sponsor, and the USCIS haxs their forms - unless they lost them, in which case that is what the RFE is for. It would not be the first time, reading this forum.

The 1800- number has a line dedicated to the RFE which should help me sort out what I need to send it. The letter itself is more than a little obtuse and obfuscate! There are 5 pages to the RFE, mostly stemming from the fact that they completly misse the fact that we were both overseas.... such as demanding evidence of lawful work for my wife... who was not in the US while working.

[TracyTN 237]

I didn't make enough money in any case, but when I was making money I was paying taxes locally, so I'm not liable for that, anyway.

You may not be liable for it (e.g. foreign earned income tax credit), but you still must file a tax return.

[payxibka 10,045]

I certainly stated that I was not required to file - Thats what I filed the boxes in ith, and added the reasons why in parentheses.

According to the IRS Publication 17: If you are a U.S. citizen or resident living outside United States, you must file a return if you meet the filing requirements. What exclusion from the filing requirements did you meet? If you met one of the exclusions you need to indicate in the RFE which one... Simply stating you were not required is insufficient evidence to the contrary.....

In addition, you do realize one of the benefits of being a US citizen is that they will want you to report and maybe even attempt tax part of your world wide income.... Paying taxes locally is one method to mitigate a liability issue.

[Erin and Muraari 0]

As a US Citizen you are required to file every year. Even if you pay taxes elsewhere (in which case you will get a credit for the foreign taxes paid, or you will exclude your foreign earned income using IRS Form 2555). It sounds like what you might have to do is file your back taxes and then send copies of your paperwork to USCIS since they probably wont overlook the fact ythat you are still legally required to file taxes living abroad. But then I dont know too much about how USCIS behaves with regards to the I-864. If you have questions about doing your taxes living abroad though, I might be able to answer them.

Muraari

Ahhhhh Columbus Day. That explains it.

I certainly stated that I was not required to file - Thats what I filed the boxes in ith, and added the reasons why in parentheses.

I didn't make enough money in any case, but when I was making money I was paying taxes locally, so I'm not liable for that, anyway.

I have a co-sponsor, and the USCIS haxs their forms - unless they lost them, in which case that is what the RFE is for. It would not be the first time, reading this forum.

The 1800- number has a line dedicated to the RFE which should help me sort out what I need to send it. The letter itself is more than a little obtuse and obfuscate! There are 5 pages to the RFE, mostly stemming from the fact that they completly misse the fact that we were both overseas.... such as demanding evidence of lawful work for my wife... who was not in the US while working.

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Regarless of local taxes paid while abroad you must still file your tax return here in the US.... There are credits given for foreign tax paid, but you still have to file....

Kez

[Portlander 0]

I didn't make enough money in any case, but when I was making money I was paying taxes locally, so I'm not liable for that, anyway.

You may not be liable for it (e.g. foreign earned income tax credit), but you still must file a tax return.

It clearly said I do not have to file if my income does not meet such and such a level. My income never did, and even if it did, then I paid taxes on it locally ... still don't have to file. I clearly indicated why on the application forms.

( FYI - my wife was pregnant, so I spent my savings taking time off to be with her for a while. Then I had some bad luck with some contracts falling through, all leading to my income being quite low for a couple of years, making an unexpected trip to the US, and the long visa process to send for my wife to come here, necessary. Thems tha breaks. )

[athena_ny 1]

I didn't make enough money in any case, but when I was making money I was paying taxes locally, so I'm not liable for that, anyway.

You may not be liable for it (e.g. foreign earned income tax credit), but you still must file a tax return.

It clearly said I do not have to file if my income does not meet such and such a level. My income never did, and even if it did, then I paid taxes on it locally ... still don't have to file. I clearly indicated why on the application forms.

( FYI - my wife was pregnant, so I spent my savings taking time off to be with her for a while. Then I had some bad luck with some contracts falling through, all leading to my income being quite low for a couple of years, making an unexpected trip to the US, and the long visa process to send for my wife to come here, necessary. Thems tha breaks. )

So obviously it's irrelevant, but even if you paid local taxes, you would still have to file. Since your income didn't meet that level that's irrelevant but - did you send proof of this?

Anyway, Kez was right, infopass is going to be more successful than calling - calling them is useless. It's called the misinformation line for a reason.

[Portlander 0]

So obviously it's irrelevant, but even if you paid local taxes, you would still have to file. Since your income didn't meet that level that's irrelevant but - did you send proof of this?

I can't prove a negative! I told them that I didn't make enough, but past that, I don't have proof that I didn't make money.

How do I get on InfoPass?

[Kez/JWolf 6]

Go here....... http://infopass.uscis.gov/

Kez

[Portlander 0]

cool - thanks

[Portlander 0]

Amongst the RFE'd items.... They want to see an EAD and a Green Card for my wife ... Or anything that shows she is allowed to work. I'm applying for an EAD.