Tax return question regarding citizenship

[chillin4me 15]

So i am preparing for the requirements to file N400 on Feb 2015 (5-yr). One requirement is to include the tax returns for the last 5yrs. But i did not file the first year because i did not have a job. Should I include an explanation letter why i did not file? I saw a question in the form too that ask if have you not file a taxt return..

Any inputs are welcome. Thank you

[Tom_Jim 40]

kamusta kababayan.

i too had gaps in my tax returns. In my cover letter, I wrote the following:

"Attached are official IRS transcripts for tax years ending, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013."

That's all I wrote and it was fine. No need to explain the gap. Best of luck.

[chillin4me 15]

Thank you.. For your reply hope everything goes well.. Take care kabayan..

[Buckyball 22]

There is no requirement to attach any tax transcripts. The ask if you have filed your taxes, nothing more.If you were not required to file then it's ok.

[Kintsukuroi 6]

I didn't attach any transcripts to my application (5yr). I attached a piece of paper explaining the reasons for any years I didn't file returns (no income).

[Ian H. 207]

I was already asking myself, when did they start requiring tax transcripts for the N400?

They only ask if you ever failed to file a required return. Since you didn't have income that first year, you weren't required to file a return. You don't have to provide an explanation either because you would just answer NO to this question.

Additionally, they ask if you have any taxes that are overdue, in which case you would need to attach a copy of the payment arrangement and current payment.

Don't send anything with the application that isn't specifically asked for. Same thing for the interview, be prepared to bring the original of any document you submitted. Here is a link with the documents typically required for the N400:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

Also, I just want to make sure since I see that you are IR2. Did you verify that you are not a USC through a biological parent?

[IARP 1]

kamusta kababayan.

i too had gaps in my tax returns. In my cover letter, I wrote the following:

"Attached are official IRS transcripts for tax years ending, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013."

That's all I wrote and it was fine. No need to explain the gap. Best of luck.

Did the IO raise this issue during your interview?

[chillin4me 15]

I was already asking myself, when did they start requiring tax transcripts for the N400?

They only ask if you ever failed to file a required return. Since you didn't have income that first year, you weren't required to file a return. You don't have to provide an explanation either because you would just answer NO to this question.

Additionally, they ask if you have any taxes that are overdue, in which case you would need to attach a copy of the payment arrangement and current payment.

Don't send anything with the application that isn't specifically asked for. Same thing for the interview, be prepared to bring the original of any document you submitted. Here is a link with the documents typically required for the N400:

http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/files/article/attachments.pdf

Also, I just want to make sure since I see that you are IR2. Did you verify that you are not a USC through a biological parent?

thank you for the reply..

I came to USA just when I turned 21, my adopted mom petitioned me, and she only got her citizenship during the process of petitioning me.