I - 134

[ratsso 0]

From what I have read, persons with self-employment income are required to submit the most recent tax return.

I have two concerns/questions about that:

1. What line item they will use on my taxes to make their determination. Gross business income, adjusted gross income, or net income.

2. My most recent tax filing was 2008. ( I have an extension to file my 2009 tax ). I made less money in 2009, and would prefer to use 2008.

thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this

[patient2010 93]

From what I have read, persons with self-employment income are required to submit the most recent tax return.

I have two concerns/questions about that:

1. What line item they will use on my taxes to make their determination. Gross business income, adjusted gross income, or net income.

2. My most recent tax filing was 2008. ( I have an extension to file my 2009 tax ). I made less money in 2009, and would prefer to use 2008.

thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this

I believe it is line 22 that they look at.......

[Anh map 2,098]

Line 22 of the form 1040 for self employed persons.

I doubt that a 2008 tax return will be sufficient as proof of current income.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

From what I have read, persons with self-employment income are required to submit the most recent tax return.

I have two concerns/questions about that:

1. What line item they will use on my taxes to make their determination. Gross business income, adjusted gross income, or net income.

2. My most recent tax filing was 2008. ( I have an extension to file my 2009 tax ). I made less money in 2009, and would prefer to use 2008.

thanks to anyone who can shed some light on this

Ignore the I-134 instructions. Pretty much every consulate will want the most recent tax return from every sponsor, regardless of whether or not they are self-employed. Provide whatever evidence the consulate requests in packet 4.

They will use the total income from a 1040 or 1040A, and adjusted gross income from a 1040EZ. I presume you have business expense deductions, so you probably filed a 1040 with at least a schedule C, and probably a schedule A. Unfortunately, those business expenses are deducted from your revenues before the total is carried over to the 1040, so they will reduce your total income.

Pretty much every consulate will require a return from the most recent tax year, which means the return that was due on the most recent April 15th. Right now, that would be the 2009 return. They won't accept an estimate of your income, or a letter explaining that you filed for an extension. You need to get that return filed before the time comes to submit your affidavit of support.

[ratsso 0]

Last year was a slow year because of the economy. I made only $19,000 after expenses, and I have currently have two children as dependents.

However; I won't be able to claim them as dependents on my 2009 taxes. Even though, they live with me know. Are they still considered dependents?

[Audy_Rob 26]

Last year was a slow year because of the economy. I made only $19,000 after expenses, and I have currently have two children as dependents.

However; I won't be able to claim them as dependents on my 2009 taxes. Even though, they live with me know. Are they still considered dependents?

You need to list on the I-134 your current annual income as if the income from Jan 1 to new is extrapolated to be your full income for 2010. Then you need to back it up with 1099s, bookkeeping certified by an accountant, receipts of income or something else tangible.

You cannot pick or choose what years you wish to show. You should complete 2009 as quickly as possible. More in the case of self-employed would they be likely to request more documentation of financial history even if a previous year was close or below the poverty line.

Good luck.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Last year was a slow year because of the economy. I made only $19,000 after expenses, and I have currently have two children as dependents.

However; I won't be able to claim them as dependents on my 2009 taxes. Even though, they live with me know. Are they still considered dependents?

Anyone you provide support for would be included in determining your household size. Some consulates include everyone living in the same home, whether the sponsor actually supports them or not.