Tax transcript still unavailable, what copy of return will do instead?

[Vilya 5]

Hello, good folks of the VJ forums. I'm in a bit of a spot and I hope someone can help.

I'm ready to send out the I-864, but my 2011 tax transcript is still not available for ordering, either online or using the phone line. I did try to talk to a live person about it, but after an hour on hold I was simply disconnected, so that's not been helpful so far. I am considering sending in a copy of my 1040 instead.

I'm not sure just what kind of copy I need to send. I understand there is an official IRS copy which I can order, but it costs $60 and takes up to 60 days. Is this what I need? Or will a printout/photocopy of the return I filed be suitable?

Also, do the folks at NVC/DOS/consulate etc. look askance at these copies when they are presented in lieu of an actual transcript? I'm a bit paranoid about it.

If only I'd been wiser and realized how long it takes to make these available, I'd have filed earlier. Hindsight is, as always, 20/20.

[Tim/Mav 305]

Seems Odd a Transcript would be available for free. Did you File Late?

I see No reason why a 1040 Copy of 2011 would not work and a letter as to the circumstances of getting a Transcript.

[Terca 6]

there will be no problem with using a copy of your return along with pertaining schedules and w-2 form. no need to order their expensive copies if you have them at home. I have had no problems with using return copies on several immigrant visa cases.

[Terca 6]

Seems Odd a Transcript would be available for free. Did you File Late?

I see No reason why a 1040 Copy of 2011 would not work and a letter as to the circumstances of getting a Transcript.

the transcripts are free but the poster is referring to the federal return copies, those are expensive.

by the way there is No need for including a letter as to circumstances of getting a transcript since you can send either a transcript or the federal tax return and w-2 for that year.

[alizon 77]

Just to be sure, are you using the IRS's website or an intermediary? The transcripts should be 100% free and arrive in 1-2 weeks; don't pay for them! If you've gotten your refund or you check payment has been cashed, the transcript should be available to you.

Here's the official IRS link just in case you've been using something else: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=232168,00.html

the transcripts are free but the poster is referring to the federal return copies, those are expensive.

Oh, got it!

[MDM24 1]

If there is an IRS office close by, you can go there and usually they can just print out the transcripts and hand them to you in person...

[Saylin 1,605]

Hello, good folks of the VJ forums. I'm in a bit of a spot and I hope someone can help.

I'm ready to send out the I-864, but my 2011 tax transcript is still not available for ordering, either online or using the phone line. I did try to talk to a live person about it, but after an hour on hold I was simply disconnected, so that's not been helpful so far. I am considering sending in a copy of my 1040 instead.

I'm not sure just what kind of copy I need to send. I understand there is an official IRS copy which I can order, but it costs $60 and takes up to 60 days. Is this what I need? Or will a printout/photocopy of the return I filed be suitable?

Also, do the folks at NVC/DOS/consulate etc. look askance at these copies when they are presented in lieu of an actual transcript? I'm a bit paranoid about it.

If only I'd been wiser and realized how long it takes to make these available, I'd have filed earlier. Hindsight is, as always, 20/20.

A simple photocopy of the tax return is sufficient. Just make sure you include the ENTIRE tax return, so: 1040, 1099, W2s, schedules, attachments, etc. Don't leave anything out. If you sent it to the IRS, you have to send it to NVC.

Although NVC prefers tax transcripts, they accept tax returns, provided you include everything needed.

I'd suggest still getting a tax transcript (once available) and bringing that to the interview to replace the lengthy tax return.

[Vilya 5]

Thanks for the replies and the good information. You guys have made me feel better about the whole situation. I'm glad I don't need to shell out an extra $60!

[rkk1 34]

Hi guys... great thread. This is exactly what I was wondering, as I just called the automated tax return service. I stated to the robot that I wanted to get tax transcripts for 2009, and 2010. I tried 2011, but it wasn't available yet (though my tax return was filed in April right before the deadline). Is it okay to get 2008 transcript instead, or do I really need the 2011? I am also feeling uncomfortable as the robot never confirmed I was getting 2009 and 2010 transcripts, as I simply pressed '3' at the end to indicate I was done. Hopefully I'll have something in the mail in 2 weeks. Else I will simply have lost 2 weeks of time if nothing comes.

[Saylin 1,605]

Hi guys... great thread. This is exactly what I was wondering, as I just called the automated tax return service. I stated to the robot that I wanted to get tax transcripts for 2009, and 2010. I tried 2011, but it wasn't available yet (though my tax return was filed in April right before the deadline). Is it okay to get 2008 transcript instead, or do I really need the 2011? I am also feeling uncomfortable as the robot never confirmed I was getting 2009 and 2010 transcripts, as I simply pressed '3' at the end to indicate I was done. Hopefully I'll have something in the mail in 2 weeks. Else I will simply have lost 2 weeks of time if nothing comes.

2008 is now the fourth year, which NVC could care less about. They care about the most recent (2011) and then the previous two years (2009 and 2010). If you do NOT send them 2011 tax information, they will issue you a checklist.

Remember, the most recent year (2011) tax information is required, the previous two (2009, 2010) is optional (although you still need to input their data on question 25 of the I-864, whether submitting tax information or not).

Has your 2011 tax return been processed yet (ie: have you received a tax refund, if applicable)? If the IRS haven't processed it yet, then of course there won't be a tax transcript available.

[rkk1 34]

Thanks Saylin. We had some strange situation with my tax return. Initially they were planning on give us the refund for filing jointly (a few thousand back), but I later got a letter from them saying that they would not give money back since they assumed that I sent a copy of my husband's signature and not an original. I don't know what that was about, as it WAS an original, as my husband went through all the trouble of mailing his forms to me from India to the US and paid a lot of money to do so. So I'm going to have to write them back telling them that it was original, and see if we get our money or if they still give us hassle. But I also find it strange that the 2011 tax transcript wouldn't be available when it was filed mid-April and there was correspondence from the IRS afterwards.

[Vilya 5]

Hi guys... great thread. This is exactly what I was wondering, as I just called the automated tax return service. I stated to the robot that I wanted to get tax transcripts for 2009, and 2010. I tried 2011, but it wasn't available yet (though my tax return was filed in April right before the deadline). Is it okay to get 2008 transcript instead, or do I really need the 2011? I am also feeling uncomfortable as the robot never confirmed I was getting 2009 and 2010 transcripts, as I simply pressed '3' at the end to indicate I was done. Hopefully I'll have something in the mail in 2 weeks. Else I will simply have lost 2 weeks of time if nothing comes.

I know that feeling! I, too, filed right before the deadline. Good news is, my transcript came available last Friday. I know this because I had been stalking the online transcript ordering site daily (sometimes signing in several times per day). Hopefully yours will be available soon as well--maybe they are now processing those returns from mid-April. I'd advise you to keep checking the online ordering page.

Good luck! I hope you are able to order yours soon.

[rkk1 34]

Awesome, thanks for posting that link, Vilya! I think I will be checking up frequently on that site as well. Good luck to you too!

Edited June 21, 2012 by rkk1