Co Sponsor has questions RE: 3 years tax transcript for I-864??

[Ray & Andrea 39]

Hello everyone!

I am writing this on my son's Visa Journey account as I do not have my own.

I am not even sure I am writing in the correct forum, so if not, I apologize in advance.

My situation/question is this:

I am co sponsoring my son's fiance for the K-1 Visa. They are young and my son is still in school and not quite making the 125% of poverty guidelines.

As I was filling out the Affidavit of Support, I noticed it is asking me attach my last years tax transcript, which I do not have a problem doing. However, I noticed that it is also asking for the income for the last 3 years. In 2014, I only worked 2 months, as I was married and stayed at home, until I left my husband in October. My income for 2014 is only $6,200. Is this going to be an issue for me as their co sponsor?

I currently make a lot more than is required as a co sponsor, but that question about my income in 2014 has me concerned.

Thank you for your time

[wheresmykoala 52]

The I-864 only requires the most recent tax transcript to be included, and the other two are optional if you believe they will help your case, rather than hurt it. I believe if you only include one and a reviewing officer is doubtful, they can request the other transcripts, but I also do not think this is common, but don't quote me on that! This is from the I-864 instructions:

Item Numbers 18.a. - 20. Federal Income Tax Return Information

You must provide either an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) transcript or a photocopy from your own records of your Federal individual income tax return for the most recent tax year. If you believe additional returns may help you to establish your ability to maintain sufficient income, you may submit transcripts or photocopies of your Federal individual income tax returns for the three most recent years.

However, I also do not think 2014 would have much impact on the case, if you include it, since you are able to prove consistent income/work from 2015 until the present (which is way more important IMO than what you made nearly 3 years ago, but then again, that's just my opinion). Although you were working, in situations where a petitioner is not making enough income to file taxes for any/all of the years, I've read it's recommended to include an attachment explaining the low earnings/why you did not have to file taxes. Using this train of thought, if it makes you feel better and you include 2014, you could probably include an attachment with it explaining the above

I'd see what anyone else has to say/suggest, but I really think you'll be alright! Good luck

Edited December 4, 2016 by wheresmykoala