when we go to create the bar code for both sheets, on the data to encode tab, jim wants us to put the case number for the barcode sheet, but he doesn't say to do that on the auth. to release tax info sheet. Any suggestions?

I put the barcode on- see through mailing labels and pasted at the bottom of each form I had to fill out

New affidavit form has tax info release already in it as part of the form.

I don't think it will hurt to put the number. Let's see if anyone knows anything different.

You can wait to receive your I-864 packet. NVC sends I-864 after AOS Fee Bill has been taken care of. So doing shorcut with I-864 won't save you any time. But if you prepare DS 230 and make a DS 230 cover sheet and send them as soon as your DS 230 is generated, then you will save some time. Make sure, you talk someone from India to find out what else you need to submit besides DS 230 part I. Most likely, you will need to submit the photocopy of the beneficiary's passport biographical information pages. NVC generates DS 230 packet after the IV bill has been taken care of.