Should I submit I-864 Affidavit of Support in January or February?

[ANONLAURAY 0]

I want to turn in the I-864 Affidavit of Support this week, and my income from 2020, 2019 and "current annual income" is above the poverty guidelines. However, my income from 2017 does not meet the 2020 poverty guidelines.

 

Since it asks for the most recent, 2nd most recent, and 3rd most recent tax returns, and the tax filing date in the U.S. starts on February, so should I wait two weeks to file my 2020 tax return? On the other hand, if I only put my most recent tax return as 2019 and estimate my current income for 2021, will I get checklisted? 

 

[Chancy 6,241]

2 hours ago, ANONLAURAY said:

Since it asks for the most recent, 2nd most recent, and 3rd most recent tax returns

 

The 2nd and 3rd most recent tax returns are OPTIONAL.  Besides, what matters most is your current income, as shown on your pay stub or employment letter.

 

[ANONLAURAY 0]

4 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

The 2nd and 3rd most recent tax returns are OPTIONAL.  Besides, what matters most is your current income, as shown on your pay stub or employment letter.

 

I know it's optional, but on the I-864 Application you have to provide a list of the incomes. That's why I wanted to know if I should wait to file my taxes in order to put income from 2020 in the "most recent tax year" income box, or if I should put the 2019 tax return income

Edited January 29, 2021 by ANONLAURAY

[Chancy 6,241]

5 minutes ago, ANONLAURAY said:

I know it's optional, but on the I-864 Application you have to provide a list of the incomes. That's why I wanted to know if I should wait to file my taxes in order to put income from 2020 in the "most recent tax year" income box, or if I should put the 2019 tax return income

 

Like I said, what matters most is your CURRENT INCOME.  The 125% requirement only applies to your current income.  As long as your current income is well above the minimum requirement, it doesn't matter much even if your 2017 income was $0.

 

[ANONLAURAY 0]

3 minutes ago, Chancy said:

 

Like I said, what matters most is your CURRENT INCOME.  The 125% requirement only applies to your current income.  As long as your current income is well above the minimum requirement, it doesn't matter much even if your 2017 income was $0.

 

thank you for the advice! Since it's already 2021, and I didn't file my 2020 yet, do you think the likelihood of them asking for it or getting checklisted is high?

[Chancy 6,241]

23 minutes ago, ANONLAURAY said:

Since it's already 2021, and I didn't file my 2020 yet, do you think the likelihood of them asking for it or getting checklisted is high?

 

Your I-864 getting flagged mostly depends on whether your CURRENT INCOME is above the minimum requirement.  2020 taxes are not required until April 15th.  Up to you if you want to delay submitting the I-864 because of your past income.  Based on your other posts, you are pursuing F4 visas for your family.  That visa category is very backlogged, so it won't really make much difference in their waiting time whether you submit the I-864 now or in February.