So confused about taxes and N400 form

[camerica 60]

I would like to apply for my N400 in February.  This is what is on the Document Checklist that is confusing to me: 

 

4.□ Documents referring to you and your spouse:

a. Tax returns, bank accounts, leases, mortgages, or birth certificates of children;

or b. Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past 3 years;

or c. An IRS tax return transcript for the last 3 years.

 

I have read some posts regarding this and many say that you have to send them a tax return transcript or certified copies. But in front of parts b and c, I see the word "or".

So does this mean I have a choice of tax returns, OR, certified copies, OR a tax return transcript.

As well, I want to apply now, before our tax filing. Does anyone think this is not a great idea and to wait until we filed. (I just don't want to wait another month because I have the funds now)

Oh, and one last question: If I file online is that quicker and also, I guess I send all supporting documents in PDF's. (I have always filed with hard copies for everything in the past.) 

I was hoping to gain my citizenship this year since it is the 250 Birthday.

Thanks in advance!

[Edward and Jaycel 2,445]

Yes you have a choice. USCIS prefers you to send the Tax Return Transcripts so if you have an online account with the IRS or can get one fairly quickly, I would get the transcripts.

 

Yes Online filing is the way to go with the N-400 IMHO and you would scan your evidence into PDF for ease of upload. 

Edited 5 hours ago by Edward and Jaycel

[camerica 60]

47 minutes ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Yes you have a choice. USCIS prefers you to send the Tax Return Transcripts so if you have an online account with the IRS or can get one fairly quickly, I would get the transcripts.

 

Yes Online filing is the way to go with the N-400 IMHO and you would scan your evidence into PDF for ease of upload. 

Someone told me that if I do the online filing I do NOT have to send the tax returns but only bring them when I have my interview. And you mentioned only the Tax Return Transcripts, but part 4 of the checklist that I copied and pasted in my initial query says, tax returns OR tax transcripts OR certified tax returns. So, it seems I can choose which one I wish to show them?

[camerica 60]

31 minutes ago, camerica said:

Someone told me that if I do the online filing I do NOT have to send the tax returns but only bring them when I have my interview. And you mentioned only the Tax Return Transcripts, but part 4 of the checklist that I copied and pasted in my initial query says, tax returns OR tax transcripts OR certified tax returns. So, it seems I can choose which one I wish to show them?

 

1 hour ago, Edward and Jaycel said:

Yes you have a choice. USCIS prefers you to send the Tax Return Transcripts so if you have an online account with the IRS or can get one fairly quickly, I would get the transcripts.

 

Yes Online filing is the way to go with the N-400 IMHO and you would scan your evidence into PDF for ease of upload. 

Sorry, I missed the part where you said I have a choice. I am hoping that those who have recently filed for their N400 will let me know what they did. It would be optimum if I did NOT have to include the tax forms until my interview. I saw someone in an interview said they were rejected the day of their interview because they had "not brought 3 years of tax returns". They were able to bring the forms the next day and were approved. That made me think that they had not initally included them in their online filing.

[JeanneAdil 7,429]

submitting the IRS transcripts (which would be MFJ or MFS) is a good way to help prove marriage to USC 

at this time you only need last 3 years which is 2024, 2023, 2022 as 2025 is not due till after the 15th of April

 

at interview be prepared to show last 3 years which will be 2025, 2024 and 2023

 

no problem filing online and filing now if qualified by green card PD