I've read through the list on this site, but sometimes it's hard to figure out what I need and what is optional. Could someone give me a basic idea of the Affidavit checklist, so I can then tell my sponsor exactly what she needs to provide.

I'm not sure what you mean by reading through the list on this site.

The Guides have listed all the forms you should be required to fill out. And the TIPS can help a lot too.

Because every consulate is different in what they require from the petitioner, your best bet is probably to go visit the Aussie folks in the regional forum and ask them.

For I-134 Affidavit of Support, the sponsor or co-sponsor needs to show 3 years of income which may include either the Tax Transcript (request from IRS is free and sent within 5 to 7 business days), or 1040 and W2 forms. As long as you (or your co-sponsor) can provide 125% of poverty line worth of income, then you will be fine. You dont need to show how much money you have in the bank, you dont have to disclose any proverty owned or even tell that you will inherit money when your love ones pass away. From my experience, if you and your co-sponsor can provide 125% of the poverty line then that is all you need. Hope that helps.


2008 HHS Poverty Guidelines
Persons
in Family
or Household
125% Poverty Line for 48 States and D.C.
1 $13,000.00
2 $17,500.00
3 $22,000.00
4 $26,500.00
5 $31,000.00
6 $35,500.00
7 $40,000.00
8 $44,500.00
per Additonal person $4,500.00

I have learned that all l I need for NZ is one year's tax transcripts and they also want to see my love's CV/Resume and a couple other items that are not listed here on VJ so it's best to find out exactly what is requested from the consulate you will be dealing with.

Poverty Guidelines

When you say family or household, that only includes people that the sponsor may be supporting such as children or spouse, right? It doesn't include a boyfriend or anything like that?

If you plan to support your boyfriend / girlfriend and eventually get married then they must be included in the household. There names then will appear on the 2008 Tax Return when filed. Hope that helps.