We have everything almost completely ready to send in, but I never bothered to get a copy of my state return. I just file them on the ohio.gov website and they dont' send me a hard copy or anything. If we have our federal returns for the last 2 years, how important do you think these really are? I just want to get everything sent off ASAP and not have to wait for more stuff in the mail. We have every other kind of proof you can imagine. What do you think?? Thanks!

To add to my first question...

My copies of tax returns are the pdf's of what H&R Block gave us to print out for our records (we e-filed and they make you a nice neat printout) Does this suffice, or do they want to see the official IRS's actual record of the return? Thanks!!

They want original IRS transcripts. They're free. Call 1-800-829-1040.

ALso they do not want state returns.. only federal...

IRS transcript is safer/quick/free - but if you are really running out of time, you can file in with the PDF copies & send in the transcript once you have NOA. I got the transcript within 5 biz day from calling.

And we did not include state tax.

didnt submit them, got 10 yr card in mail last week

Our window just opened today. Does the 90 day window mean you only have 90 days, even if there are outstanding requirements? I just want to get it sent off ASAP and not have any issues later on. But I guess if I have to wait to get the transcripts and have peace of mind, it might be worth it.

With USCIS, try to do it right the first time. If I were you, I would wait for transcripts - eliminate the possibility that the transcript submitted after the NOA does not get filed with the rest of the application - they are dealing with huge loads of paperwork. If your cond. permanent resident card is expiring within this week, yes I would file with the PDF to avoid late filing.

I think we'll be OK, the window just opened meaning we're 90 days away from the expiration. I just wanted to get stuff sent out and done asap. Thanks for your help!

Some have sent in copies of their tax returns rather than transcripts and have had no issues. It probably comes down to the officer adjudicating the evidence.

I sent in my package a couple of weeks ago. I sent a copy of my return rather than transcript. It was done by our accountant and her address is on it so they may accept it, or I may get burned, hopefully not. One could use the argument that the transcripts are more legit since they prove actual filing, but neither of them are certified so who knows? Luck of the draw? I've probably jinxed myself now

I sent copies of federal returns only. We haven't received any notifications that it was not sufficient so they should be okay.

Regarding the 90 day window. They want you to file before the expiration of the green card, but not more than 90 days before it expires.

Note that some states don't even have a state income tax (those states get their money through property taxes, sales taxes, tourist taxes, etc.). So some people have no state income tax returns to file. People from those states get approved.

Unfortunately, we do live in a state that has rather hefty state income taxes, but we sent no state income tax returns, and were approved with no troubles. They don't ask for state income tax returns, and I've never heard of the USCIS requesting them. Federal, yes. State, no.

Once they see your federal tax returns, It seems to me that no extra info about the validity of your marriage would be gleaned by looking at your state returns.

Are you sure that you really need the IRS transcripts and not the actual PDF from H&R Block? I just called that phone number, and it could not handle my request. I was told to call later or the next business day. I always though that the PDF will be enough since it matches my supporting documents turned in with the I-134 at the US Embassy in Bogota.

According to what it says in I-864, and I quote, "You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photocopy from you own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year". With this said, I do believe that the PDF print-outs will be good enough for AOS and to complete the Affidavit of Support. Notice the key word "either" in the quoted statement above taken directly from the instructions found in the I-864 form.

I guess I just answer my own question. Thanks for nothing.

Was the attitude necessary? The IRS transcripts are the best solution -- it prevents people from sending in copies of their W-2s, etc, which are unnecessary -- they just want a copy of the return.

Our state has a label just like the federal IRS, just over lapped our state returns showing the date and that label using a white sheet of paper for the bottom in my copy machine sending in three years of returns on a single sheet. Did the same for the federal IRS and copied that on the rear of the state sheet, actually that was the front. But that was over a year ago, I made extra copies for the N-400, but that wasn't enough for them last month. They wanted to see the entire forms with the W2's and 1099's, was glad that I did bring those along, they kept them.

Would think seeing our names on official IRS labels would be enough, and that was for the last four years. But now, don't know what to think. Wife said the IO turned to the rear page of the 1040 on each year to see how much taxes we have paid. She was only interested in our federal returns and didn't want to see our state returns.

Oh, whatever you do for the I-751, make extra copies if you plan on citizenship, have to go through the same thing again.

We sent copies of tax returns only on everything no questions no problems, citizenship oath in 2 weeks, never used transcripts.

We sent in copies of the tax documents for the AOS and the tax transcripts - because they were less bulky - with the I-751. Because we filed before we filed 2008 taxes I included a copy of State tax notification addressed to both of us that we needed to include when we filed our State taxes just as further recent evidence but did not include any of the State returns.

Our lawyer said that copies are good enough and no state returns are required. Plus, I think that CIS somehow connected with IRS. My friend on border while waiting for a stamp was told :" Oh, so you are a rich guy". -clearly they have checked fast his reported to IRS income. (or maybe border control is better equiped with databases/connections than CIS?/)