Do Self Employed Need a Employment Letter?

[maning 36]

I am self employed... do I really need a employment letter?

I read on here someone made a "self-employment" letter basically saying they are self employed and they have been self employed from this date to this date and stated the nature of his business/occupation and current income.

Would that be okay?

Edited November 7, 2011 by maning

[mapletree 33]

What are you using the letter for? Proof of income? If so, include your last few tax returns and bank statements.

[maning 36]

What are you using the letter for? Proof of income? If so, include your last few tax returns and bank statements.

I have all of that.

It was mentioned that an employment letter was needed as well for the embassy interview (k1 visa). Just wondering if self employed people needed an employment letter or do we simple make a letter stating our self employment, nature of business, how long we been self employed, and our current income, etc.

Edited November 7, 2011 by maning

[Jim N Augie 16]

I have same situation. I wrote a brief letter explaining cash flow etc. dated and signed it. My thinking is not only to explain but technically that is an employment letter since I employ myself.

[mapletree 33]

I have same situation. I wrote a brief letter explaining cash flow etc. dated and signed it. My thinking is not only to explain but technically that is an employment letter since I employ myself.

Yep!

[maning 36]

I have same situation. I wrote a brief letter explaining cash flow etc. dated and signed it. My thinking is not only to explain but technically that is an employment letter since I employ myself.

Thanks I was thinking that myself. Hopefully someone who has already been through the interview and had our situation can shed more light on this process.

Bumping topic

[Darnell 8,479]

an audited income statement from yer CPA suffices. Usually 2 hours of billable time if he already has yer general ledger.

Edited November 7, 2011 by Darnell

[Jim N Augie 16]

an audited income statement from yer CPA suffices. Usually 2 hours of billable time if he already has yer general ledger.

Good point. I didn't really mention all the details but yeah I sent last 3 months personal and company statements and last 3 months CPA reports, last witholding tax payment etc. last years 1040 and schedule C and 1099 with my letter. I guess I'll know on nov 25th if we pass.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I am self employed... do I really need a employment letter?

I read on here someone made a "self-employment" letter basically saying they are self employed and they have been self employed from this date to this date and stated the nature of his business/occupation and current income.

Would that be okay?

Just to be clear, NO ONE "needs" an employment letter, it is a means to document your income, it is not the only means and is not a required means. It is not a good means for a self employed person to prove anything.

The best way for self employed to prove income is with previous tax returns, bank statements showing deposits and a profit and loss statement for the current year from a CPA.

Keep in mind they concern themselves with your PERSONAL income, line 22 of your income tax return. They do not care about business income, businesses cannot sponsor an immigrant.

[Anh map 2,098]

The income evaluated for a self employed person is line 22 of their most recent years' 1040 tax return. (currently the 2010 return) This year's receipts/deposits don't matter. Audited financials don't really matter. It's about personal income and how it's reported on the 1040.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

The income evaluated for a self employed person is line 22 of their most recent years' 1040 tax return. (currently the 2010 return) This year's receipts/deposits don't matter. Audited financials don't really matter. It's about personal income and how it's reported on the 1040.

This may be consulate specific. I do recall in the Kiev consulate one of the officers going over a petitioners profit & loss statement for the current year with great detail. The USC was present and was able to explain it. So in that case, anyway, they at least considered it. I do not know if it was a big deal. They did get their visa.

They had turned in their documents, were waiting for the interview and were called to another window (not the interview window) to clarify the statements. They then sat back down and were later called for the interview

I have heard that some other consulates give more weight to the previous year 1040 for a self employed person.

[frappucino87 1]

I am self employed... do I really need a employment letter?

I read on here someone made a "self-employment" letter basically saying they are self employed and they have been self employed from this date to this date and stated the nature of his business/occupation and current income.

Would that be okay?

If you are self employed there is no need to present employment letter during the interview. goodluck

[GringoD 33]

I also am self-employed, and I think both times, I did as was recommended and wrote a statement to the basic, general facts of 'in business continuously for ___ years in the town of _________, and got it notarized and witnessed. Notarization, while perhaps not absolutely necessary, never hurts, and with a copy of your professional or trade license, if applicable.

You're gonnna have to provide 3 years tax returns at the interview, personal and corporate (corp, if applicable).