I think this information is worthwhile pinning in the appropriate Forum.
Check following USCIS link for what is acceptable and what is not and when they generate RFEs for AoS / I-864 / I-864A. This will avoid all anxiety and answer much needed insight into how NVC views AoS, such as should I send copy of e-file, do I need to worry about latest tax return from current tax year if I am signing AoS near the tax filing date, what NVC / USCIS prefers (photocopy vs IRS transcript), etc:
http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...f85680eca9562d3
Here is a section from that link that is relevant:
IRS permits and encourages electronic filing of Forms 1040, 1040A and 1040EZ. An electronically filed tax return may also be signed electronically. When a person signs and files the tax return electronically, a “hard copy” of the original tax return will not exist. In this situation, it is acceptable for the person to submit a plain copy printout, showing the tax return as it would have looked, had it been filed on paper, together with the IRS-issued “declaration control number.” By signing the Form I-864 or I-864A “under penalty of perjury,” the person certifies that the copy is a copy of what was submitted to IRS. As with paper-filed returns, it is also acceptable for the person to submit an IRS transcript of the electronically filed return.
Also, IRS tax transcripts are FREE, and takes up lot less space in your file, and hence USCIS prefers this. However, you can send photocopy of 1040 with W-2 and 1099.
Another section from the same link:
A sponsor may submit an IRS-issued transcript instead of a photocopy of the sponsor’s tax return. A sponsor may obtain a transcript by filing IRS Form 4506-T with the IRS. Currently, the IRS does not charge a fee for transcripts. Tax transcripts provide proof that the returns were filed with IRS, are easier to read, take up less room in the file, and are easily obtained. If a sponsor submits a transcript rather than a photocopy of the tax return, it is not necessary for the sponsor to include copies of any Forms W-2 or 1099.
Although, I filed I-864 with printed copies of e-filed returns, if I had to do it again, I would order transcripts and wait for it before sending the I-864 / I-864A.
Here is link to IRS website for ordering transcript: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=110571,00.html Out of many options, you need to order "A tax return transcript" and not "tax account transcript". If you have plenty of time (30 days) before you need to file I-864, go for both, in which case, you would select option "Record of Account"
Call 1-800-829-1040, select 2, select 2, enter your SSN, select 1, select 3, verify with street number, select option 2 for "tax return transcript". (Select other option if ordering both account or combined transcript, which takes 30 days, as opposed to 10 for return transcript.
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Sanjiv Patel