Hi All,
Thanks again for all the information folks have shared on this site...it's been invaluable.

I'm finalizing the paperwork for my fiance to take to his interview in Rio. On the official guidelines it seems that the only necessary fiancial paperwork is the I-134 (affidavit of support) and the two supporting documents (letter from employer and letter from bank--i'm not self-imployed and dont have any bonds, so those dont apply to me). However, in the list people are given at the consulate, it appears that last year's tax forms are also requested.

My question is whether these tax forms are suggested or required. I ask because I've got a well-paying job and have sufficient money in the bank, but my tax forms from last year show me making significantly below the poverty line (I was in Brazil for half the year, and then spent several months looking for a job upon returning to the states). If it's not absolutely required, I'd rather not submit the tax forms.

Does anybody have insight about this???

I really appreciate your help.
Take good care,
M

from link

What to send to your fiance(e) once the I-129F is approved (Receive NOA2):
1. A copy of the entire I-129f package (that you made when you sent the petition in) and a copy of information that you sent back due to an RFE (if you received one).
2. Send all originals of the documentary proof that you submitted for the I-129F to your fiance(e) for their interview at the embassy.
3. Send an original letter affirming your desire to marry your fiance(e) and your continued support of the K-1 Visa. Sign and date the form. This will be similar to the letter you provided with the I-129F, but dated much closer to the interview (it will have most likely been several months since you submitted your I-129F).
4. I-134 Affidavit of Support form. Ensure it is notarized (by a US Notary Public), with all required supporting evidence. Begin collecting the required information ahead of time, as it can often take several weeks to collect it all.
5. You will likely need at a minimum (for the above form) two to three of your most recent pay stubs and a signed letter from your employer listing you job title, start date, your salary, and the status (full-time) of your position. Begin collecting these ASAP after your NOA2 arrives. You will also probably want to include other evidence such as your banking information and other assets as required by the I-134. Specifically you will need at least 2 of the 4 options mentioned in Section II-Supporting Evidence of the I-134. See this FAQ for more tips and ueful information on the Affidavit of Support Form.
6. A copy of the NOA2 that you received in the mail.
7. Proof of your ongoing relationship. This needs to be taken to the interview! Include photos, travel documents, emails, etc from between the time you filed and present (NOA1 date-now).

Examples: Copies of phone bills, cell phone bills, emails (you can edit personal info with a marker), letters (edit personal info also), stamps on the letters (to document the date they were sent), and other written documentary proof. Provide a reasonable amount; two to four of each type. Pick a range of dates up to and including the present. You can also include a copy of engagement ring receipt (this is something that is a big optional - do not worry if you do not have a ring yet!)
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i took my tax records to the interview with nessa but they didn't even look at them.

I have asked the Consulate 2 times now. In July and again earlier this week. Both times the response was that I needed to have at the Interview my most recent tax return and W-2, letter from employer on company letterhead. They said it was required. My income is above the Poverty guidelines, so I did not need any other documents. But I gave fernanda some pay stubs! I received an email response last week about this from the Consulate that confirmed the April response.

If you do not meet the Poverty guidelines, you'll need to get a Co-sponser to fill out an I-134 also. If your current job is paying you more than the Poverty guidelines and that is written in the letter from your employer, you should have no problem. The Tax return is not the end-all, it only helps to paint your financial picture for the Consulate.

I'm faxing my W2s to an accountant on Monday to have my taxes done - so the original W2s will be with me.
Just to verify, I need to ask him to mail a copy of my tax papers (for lack of a better word) to me so I can take them to the interview with me, correct?

The consulate told me the same thing as Joey. Once I told them my salary and what I planned on bringing with me for the I-134 they told me that my W2s for the last 2-3 years (which is what I told them I had) along with my contract, letter, and pay stubs is sufficient. I have the letter of when I opened up my bank account but not a letter of my current balance. They said I don't need it.

The tax return and W2 is the most important evidence to provide along with the I-134 form.