Proof of income for self-employed

[bernie_elizabeth 2]

Hi everyone, I know I've asked a similar question before, or just looked for the answer meticulously, but we're preparing for the interview (hooray!) and I want to make sure I have the right paperwork.

I'm self-employed and have the following paperwork to prove income:

The I-134

My 2013 tax transcript

Statement from my bank with deposits from the past 12 months

Letter of self-employment

For the letter of self-employment I used a similar letter to the template found here: http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/Employment_Letter

The bank statement and letter of self-employment are different numbers and both higher than the 2013 tax transcript. I'm wondering if the letter should swear to my income for the past 12 months instead of my expected income for the year 2014. Does anyone think that that would make a difference?

I know that technically the tax transcript and bank statement would be enough but since I'm self-employed I'm assuming having the letter would be helpful. I'm paranoid that since I don't make FAR above the income cutoff that the officer at the consulate will deny us. If that were to happen, would we be able to appeal with a co-sponsor?

Thanks again for all the help. I'm looking forward to being able to answer folks questions as well once we're through the interview and a bit less stressed!

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

London is not overly strict about their required proof. If your tax return Line 22 (Form 1040) says you are over 100% of the poverty guidelines then that should do it. I see no real reason for an employment letter from yourself or bank account history for 12 months. But take whatever you wish. They seem satisfied with one proof of income based on the interview experiences told in this forum over the last five plus years. Many are handed back superfluous documentation before the officer even sees it.

Yes they allow another sponsor and would send you off to get one if needed. When you are lacking anything at the interview, they hand back the passport and say return it (by courier) along with the needed documentation when you have what is lacking. Then they issue the visa and return to you by courier.

As far as numbers matching, they never do really. One is projected and the other is historical.

[bernie_elizabeth 2]

Thanks for the reassurance. I will include the letter and bank statement if only because the bank statement confirms the savings that I note in my I-134. I'll post about how it goes, once we see what they say! Thanks again.

[bernie_elizabeth 2]

Our interview is coming up next week and I'm feeling nervous, probably for no real reason.

My only question is still whether or not listing a number for "annual income" that is a few thousand dollars higher than my most recent tax return will be a red flag for the embassy. The letter from my bank reflects that I've made more money in the past 12 months as well. Should I just list the same number as Line 22 on my tax return just to keep things simple? Has anyone encountered one of the agents asking many questions about these sorts of differences? I can't be the only one who doesn't make a uniform annual salary.

I was thinking I could write it out in my employment verification letter, that my annual income for 2014 is X while my 2013 income, as reflected in my tax transcript, is Y.

I'm probably overthinking, but I don't want to have to wait to submit more info. If any other self-employed folks want to chime in, that would be rad!

[jptl85 25]

you are probably overthinking, but better to be prepared. I imagine if you can explain your numbers, then you will be ok.

[Nich-Nick 3,353]

Our interview is coming up next week and I'm feeling nervous, probably for no real reason.

My only question is still whether or not listing a number for "annual income" that is a few thousand dollars higher than my most recent tax return will be a red flag for the embassy. The letter from my bank reflects that I've made more money in the past 12 months as well. Should I just list the same number as Line 22 on my tax return just to keep things simple? Has anyone encountered one of the agents asking many questions about these sorts of differences? I can't be the only one who doesn't make a uniform annual salary.

I was thinking I could write it out in my employment verification letter, that my annual income for 2014 is X while my 2013 income, as reflected in my tax transcript, is Y.

I'm probably overthinking, but I don't want to have to wait to submit more info. If any other self-employed folks want to chime in, that would be rad!

You are over-thinking. It says I derive an annual income of:

So what do you make right now today? Is it the same as you made in 2013? No. So tell what your current income is. If the wanted to know your tax return, the question would say "I made ________ on my most recent tax return. "

Are you worried because your 2013 tax return wasn't enough? Or is you concern really what to fill in the blank?

Being self employed, the tax return is a positive way to prove income, but they aren't going to shoot you if you say "I made more in 2014" by stating that figure on the form. I had numbers over $100k different. They didn't ask why. They looked at the proof and never discussed the actual I-134.

So back to the question, "does your 2013 tax return qualify you?"

Edited December 26, 2014 by Nich-Nick