Greetings everyone.

To update my case, me and my wife finally have an interview at the embassy in early august.

I have everything prepared except for my last tax return which was filled two years ago before I started travelling (making no income). Does anyone know if the embassy will accept the tax return of my co-signer only? Because it seems that it will be difficult to find this tax return. I think it has been thrown away.

thanks alot.

So, you haven't earned any money at all since leaving the US? I am quite sure you need some kind of proof that you didn't have to file. As for the last time you filed, you can call the IRS (www.irs.gov) and request a tax transcript for that year.

If you've earned any money at all, even under the normal filing limit, while living abroad, you will need to back file your 1040's and 2555 (that's the foreign income exclusion). Your US embassy can help you.

Andrew

Need a Copy of Your Tax Return Information?

Requesting transcripts (individuals):

You have two easy and convenient options for getting copies of your federal tax return information--tax return transcripts and tax account transcripts--by phone or by mail.

Request transcripts by calling 1-800-829-1040, or order by mail using IRS Form 4506T (Request for Transcript of Tax Return). We do not charge a fee for transcripts. Allow two weeks for delivery.

Definitions:

A tax return transcript shows most line items from your tax return (Form 1040, 1040A or 1040EZ) as it was originally filed, including any accompanying forms and schedules. It does not reflect any changes you, your representative or the IRS made after the return was filed. In many cases, a return transcript will meet the requirements of lending institutions such as those offering mortgages and for applying for student loans.

A tax account transcript shows any later adjustments either you or the IRS made after the tax return was filed. This transcript shows basic data, including marital status, type of return filed, adjusted gross income and taxable income.

Thank you for the replies!

Andrew,

You filed two years ago, right? Why not merely fill out the 2006 tax forms and use those? It doesn't take too long to do, and you need to file them anyhow as an American living abroad.

Walter

This is not correct. The minimum earned income that makes filing required is the same for US residents for tax purposes regardless of where in the world their income is earned and where they live. The rules are not stricter in the sense that "if you've earned any money at all" you need to file 1040 and 2555. The rules are the same. If you are below the normal filing requirement amount, you do not need to file a 1040 and thus the 2555 attachment.

Now, for immigration purposes, it might help to have filed, in which case you CAN file if you made $1, if it helps with domicile or something. I am not an expert on that. But the IRS does not require filing an income tax return unless you made over the regular requirement threshold. The 2555 is filed only if you wish to exempt some of your income earned on foreign soil from US taxes or wish to claim housing cost exemptions. If you made less than the threshold for filing 1040, the 2555 does not impose the requirement of filing the 1040 and 2555. From IRS publication 54 (Tax Guide for U.S. Citizens and Resident Aliens Abroad) - note that the exclusion amounts below apply to 2006, and vary by tax year.



Cheers

Thanks for the detailed info. I was stuck in the mindset of showing domicile, and I shouldn't have made it sound like every USC no matter what has to do it.

Ditto Walter. They WILL ask/require for your last tax return/transcript (2006) so filing before the interview is the way to go to avoid problems. It does not matter if you have a co-sponsor, you also need to present your transcripts.

Good luck, L.

Thanks again, all. And good luck to everyone in their case.