Federal Poverty Guidelines: Before or After Tax?

[minibadger 1]

I know that for the I-134 and I-864 Affidavits of Support, the usual and required guidelines are for 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. And in both forms, you are asked to write your earnings from your job for the previous year.

What I'm not yet clear on, however, is if that requirement and that information being asked is for *before-tax* earnings, or for *after-tax* earnings? For example, let's say that I'm a salaried worker making $2,500 a month; however, every month about $452 is eaten by state, federal and security taxes. Do I write that I make $2,500 a month ($30,000 a year by the federal poverty guideilnes), or that I make $2,048 a month ($24,576 by the guidelines)?

Thanks!

Edited November 7, 2008 by minibadger

[Hell0W0rld 10]

this is after tax

[iahmjpinoy 6]

I know that for the I-134 and I-864 Affidavits of Support, the usual and required guidelines are for 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. And in both forms, you are asked to write your earnings from your job for the previous year.

What I'm not yet clear on, however, is if that requirement and that information being asked is for *before-tax* earnings, or for *after-tax* earnings? For example, let's say that I'm a salaried worker making $2,500 a month; however, every month about $452 is eaten by state, federal and security taxes. Do I write that I make $2,500 a month ($30,000 a year by the federal poverty guideilnes), or that I make $2,048 a month ($24,576 by the guidelines)?

Thanks!

That should be your gross income as in 'before tax'.. as you will need to submit a statement from your employer(unless you're self employed) and your employer will show your gross income before tax, not after tax... (well, at least mine did it that way) so I would put down the same amount that they had on my statement from my employer....

Someone who sent theirs in should have a better answer, but I still think it's before tax, just my 2cents..

Ingats!!

[minibadger 1]

Unfortunately, I now have one reply saying it's "after tax," and one saying it's "before tax."

So, can anyone weigh in with a more sure answer? I looked over the detailed information on the I-134 and I-864 Help/Filing info on the government websites, but it does not elaborate.

I do know that when one files a tax return, it's based on, obviously, before-tax income. I'd THINK the poverty guidelines would be based on before-tax income, but I am not at all sure and definitely need to know.

Thanks.

[Laura+Tom 2]

I have been under the impression that it is before tax.

[kiwiana 2]

I thought it meant gross income (before tax) too.

[minibadger 1]

I thought it meant gross income (before tax) too.

Where's Pushbrk when we need him? =p He seems to know everything. Ever.

[KandD 1]

Its your gross income before tax. So many people have other deductions besides taxes . This is all counted as income as well.

[pushbrk 12,879]

I thought it meant gross income (before tax) too.

Where's Pushbrk when we need him? =p He seems to know everything. Ever.

At 1:54 AM you can expect me to be in bed. The answer is definitely the gross income before taxes.

[Hell0W0rld 10]

i thought it was "Adjusted Gross income" basically anything left "after taxes"????

[pushbrk 12,879]

i thought it was "Adjusted Gross income" basically anything left "after taxes"????

Wrong on both counts. It's gross income and "adjusted gross income" is not "basically anything left after taxes". It's something else entirely. "Net income" is anything left after taxes.

[Otto 83]

Gross Income!

[Hell0W0rld 10]

my apologies

[Cham 3]

I thought it meant gross income (before tax) too.

Where's Pushbrk when we need him? =p He seems to know everything. Ever.

At 1:54 AM you can expect me to be in bed. The answer is definitely the gross income before taxes.

WOO HOO you came to the rescue..I had looked it up and it is gross...Those who said gross income which is BEFORE taxes..IS what you should use:)

[robbyrob 2]

i thought it was "Adjusted Gross income" basically anything left "after taxes"????

Wrong on both counts. It's gross income and "adjusted gross income" is not "basically anything left after taxes". It's something else entirely. "Net income" is anything left after taxes.

What about for self employed filers? thanks