I-864 proof of income

[Tyler and Agus 1]

So the AOS process is officially underway...

I was wondering... based on what I've read, it seems that everyone has submitted proof of income for the last 3 years. The I-864 says that this is optional. I do not plan on submitting tax information from 2005 and 2006 because I had such a low income (full-time student status). I will include a full tax return for 2007, which was barely under the poverty line, along with the last 3 years of tax information from my joint sponsor.

Is this sufficient? Anyone else do this? Is it ok? Thanks.

[nunyab 0]

my plan is similar but I am including a letter from my employer stating my income and my status (new position affecting my income greatly). I hope this works. I think the idea is to show our S/O's will not become burdon to the state.

I hope I've helped.

Rajaa

[happyinlove012408 0]

As for the document it says that it is optional for the three years of tax but just to be on the safe side because you never know with USCIS you might want to submit it regardless of the income because they base your current year as per the poverty line requirement not the prior years. Good luck.

[watchful2006 0]

better prepare the 3 yrs taxes, better safe than sorry.

[raphandarrin 0]

I sent the last 2, that we had at home and no RFEs so far...

[ELW 5]

I would say send 3 years even though the income was low. They won't mind that you made less in the other years and better safe than sorry.

I only submitted one year because I was living in India for the other two years and not earning any money. But I submitted proof of that in the form of tax transcripts from the IRS and a statement. Usually if people can't send all three years, they send a statement explaining why.

[SonoranSongbird 3]

Well you can't send the previous two years if you did not file.

I think there is something in the directions about what to do if you did not file because you were not required to file (not sure what, exactly). In your case, though, I think they are going to be more interested in your co-sponsor's income. If nothing else, you might want to include your W2s from the previous two years along with a note that you did not file a return those years because you were not required to do so.

Just FYI, if you are not required to file due to a low income, you may be entitled to a refund (of whatever was withheld from paychecks for a part time job), so it's not a bad idea to file anyway. And if you file late but within three years, you can still get that refund. It may be for a small amount, but it helps---and it's your money.

[StoryAngel 4]

I would submit all three years. You've got a joint sponsor for the very reason that your income isn't enough on its own. As long as the joint sponsor's income combined with yours covers the minimum requirements, I don't think it should be a problem.

[filirican 3]

better prepare what they want or u'll be delayed...good luck!

[payxibka 10,044]

So the AOS process is officially underway...

I was wondering... based on what I've read, it seems that everyone has submitted proof of income for the last 3 years. The I-864 says that this is optional. I do not plan on submitting tax information from 2005 and 2006 because I had such a low income (full-time student status). I will include a full tax return for 2007, which was barely under the poverty line, along with the last 3 years of tax information from my joint sponsor.

Is this sufficient? Anyone else do this? Is it ok? Thanks.

While it is true that providing tax returns for only one year is available, the form does ask for you to indicate your total income for the previous other 2 years

Edited August 18, 2008 by fwaguy

[SonoranSongbird 3]

I do not plan on submitting tax information from 2005 and 2006 because I had such a low income (full-time student status).

Oh, sorry, I think I misread this. I thought you meant that you did not have tax returns from 2005 and 2006 because your income was so low that you were not required to file. Yeah, if you have them, send them. If you did not file, just point that out as ELW suggested.

[payxibka 10,044]

I do not plan on submitting tax information from 2005 and 2006 because I had such a low income (full-time student status).

Oh, sorry, I think I misread this. I thought you meant that you did not have tax returns from 2005 and 2006 because your income was so low that you were not required to file. Yeah, if you have them, send them. If you did not file, just point that out as ELW suggested.

Why? I had three years available and only sent one year.... I think the form says that one year is needed but you can provide more if you think it will help establish you financial ability. In the OP's case it will not.

Edited August 18, 2008 by fwaguy

[Tyler and Agus 1]

I do not plan on submitting tax information from 2005 and 2006 because I had such a low income (full-time student status).

Oh, sorry, I think I misread this. I thought you meant that you did not have tax returns from 2005 and 2006 because your income was so low that you were not required to file. Yeah, if you have them, send them. If you did not file, just point that out as ELW suggested.

Why? I had three years available and only sent one year.... I think the form says that one year is needed but you can provide more if you think it will help establish you financial ability. In the OP's case it will not.

I did file returns for 2005 and 2006 but in each case income was below $5,000. The thing is, we're in a hurry to submit all paperwork and waiting for transcripts will delay that process. Actually, I've already ordered transcripts once and they never arrived. I know calling the IRS again will be a hassle. That's why I'm wondering if I can avoid it. I can send copies of W-2s. I'm also sending the last three years for my joint sponsor.

[SonoranSongbird 3]

True, Fwaguy. But with USCIS, you just never know what they might decide to send an RFE over and you may as well try to preempt that possibility. The I-134 does not ask for tax returns at all, only an employer letter (it also does not ask for pay stubs), but most consulates are more interested in your tax returns anyway (okay, that isn't USCIS). The only real advantage to not including it is maybe your package will weigh an ounce less and save 17 cents on postage (as you mentioned, they do need to note the income for those two years). It isn't critical to include it, but it's better to go ahead and do so.

[payxibka 10,044]

True, Fwaguy. But with USCIS, you just never know what they might decide to send an RFE over and you may as well try to preempt that possibility. The I-134 does not ask for tax returns at all, only an employer letter (it also does not ask for pay stubs), but most consulates are more interested in your tax returns anyway (okay, that isn't USCIS). The only real advantage to not including it is maybe your package will weigh an ounce less and save 17 cents on postage (as you mentioned, they do need to note the income for those two years). It isn't critical to include it, but it's better to go ahead and do so.

Considering the OP is getting ready to file AOS an is preparing the I-864, the I-134 and consulate level procedures do not play here