[Kevin-]

Howdy.

Technically the most recent tax year is 2009 I suppose. I've been here in the Philippines since early December, and will be going to the interview with my sweetheart on the 24th of this month. I haven't done my taxes for last year yet and won't be able to get it done by then. I can provide the income documentation only. I do have full paperwork for 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, including the tax returns. I even have evidence of income going back to 1995, but not W2s or tax returns, heh.

Will this be a problem? Do they expect people attending interviews before the tax due date in April to have the taxes filed already?

Thanks.

[sjr09]

Kevin-, on Feb 14 2010, 06:09 AM, said:

Howdy.

Technically the most recent tax year is 2009 I suppose. I've been here in the Philippines since early December, and will be going to the interview with my sweetheart on the 24th of this month. I haven't done my taxes for last year yet and won't be able to get it done by then. I can provide the income documentation only. I do have full paperwork for 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, including the tax returns. I even have evidence of income going back to 1995, but not W2s or tax returns, heh.

Will this be a problem? Do they expect people attending interviews before the tax due date in April to have the taxes filed already?

Thanks.

You must provide either an IRS transcript or a photo copy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year, your 2009 is not due before April "technically" I don't see any problem with that part of your question. You have been in the PI since Dec, do have a job in the U.S. when you return? That my be a question at your interview.

[Otto und Karin]

This gets asked dozens of times a day around this time of year in nearly every forum - VJ is littered with threads on this.


If before April 15 (or whatever day it falls on this year) you submit an affidavit of support and you haven't filed your taxes yet - you may still submit at least last year's. You will of course still need to supply current income and, depending on the time of year, the Embassy/Consulate may ask for 2009's anyway(if the interview is close-to, just after, the deadline). So if you have it, send it, otherwise you might get by.

[sachinky]

Some consulates are already asking for 2009 taxes and I assume it will be more so as it gets to March and April.

[Just Bob]

They can ask all they want, it won't change Federal Law which puts the magic date on April 15, which, surprise, is the very day most people file, hence the extended post office and mailbox collection hours.

[sachinky]

Well, what the CO wants, you produce.

[Anh map]

If a 2009 return would help your case then you ought to include it. If your income has been consistent and exceeds the requirement then it's probably a push. Your employer letter and recent paystubs would confirm your current income. If you're self employed, that's a different scenario.

In my opinion it's an embassy/consulate/USCIS issue, not an IRS issue. April 15 applies to the IRS. Do whatever will secure the visa at the upcoming interview.

Best of luck.

sachinky, on Feb 14 2010, 02:45 PM, said:

Well, what the CO wants, you produce.

[sjr09]

Anh map, on Feb 14 2010, 09:49 AM, said:

If a 2009 return would help your case then you ought to include it. If your income has been consistent and exceeds the requirement then it's probably a push. Your employer letter and recent paystubs would confirm your current income. If you're self employed, that's a different scenario.

In my opinion it's an embassy/consulate/USCIS issue, not an IRS issue. April 15 applies to the IRS. Do whatever will secure the visa at the upcoming interview.

Best of luck.

The OP looks like he is self employed to me?
http://kevinkimes.com/

[Anh map]

sjr09, on Feb 14 2010, 05:39 PM, said:

The OP looks like he is self employed to me?
http://kevinkimes.com/

pizzadude would a good one to chime in. Others like you with specific Manila experience can give better input.

[sjr09]

Anh map, on Feb 14 2010, 12:57 PM, said:

pizzadude would a good one to chime in. Others like you with specific Manila experience can give better input.

Being self employed myself, and at the time of my wife’s petition was not a problem for me but then my petition was well documented and not a K-1. One thing I can say is they treat you differently then a 9-5 job working for an employer!

[thepizzadude]

Kevin-, on Feb 14 2010, 11:09 AM, said:

Howdy.

Technically the most recent tax year is 2009 I suppose. I've been here in the Philippines since early December, and will be going to the interview with my sweetheart on the 24th of this month. I haven't done my taxes for last year yet and won't be able to get it done by then. I can provide the income documentation only. I do have full paperwork for 2008, 2007, 2006, and 2005, including the tax returns. I even have evidence of income going back to 1995, but not W2s or tax returns, heh.

Will this be a problem? Do they expect people attending interviews before the tax due date in April to have the taxes filed already?

Thanks.

I would suggest you take all you can as they scrutinize the self-employed individuals the most. Take the past 3 years tax returns as you have stated you have. Also, for good measure it would be wise to take anything you have to back up 2009 on paper, profit/loss statements, balance sheets, any paystubs that you have (this is assuming you pay yourself). Documentation is the key, overwhelm rather than under supply them to give yourself the best chance.

Quote

"Do they expect people attending interviews before the tax due date in April to have the taxes filed already?"

NO, but it is in your best interest to be the best prepared in case they do, they really don't care about you and your sweethearts future, that's your job.

I would doubt this years tax forms will be asked for but it always is best "TO BE PREPARED" for any and all things that might happen at the interview. It is best to cover you *** now rather than wait it out when they ask for more info and you give it to them only to hear the immortal words "we'll call you".

Remember this is a looooong drawn out process for 2 people, you and your sweetie, for the C/O it is about 5 minutes out of his hectic, repetitive day. WOW him with your preparation, take bank statements, paystubs, property assessments. Show them how important this is to YOU.

Good Luck to you on the 24th.

pizzadude