I-864 tax return upload clarification

[STDEV 3]

My 2025 return is still being processed. Therefore I will be uploading a copy of my signed return, 1099s, and W2s. My 2025 income is primarily from employment salary (no self employment in 2025).

 

When the instructions reference "your Federal individual income tax return", does that refer to just the 1040 itself, or 1040 WITH schedules and additional forms? I always assumed it was the latter and meant everything one would submit to the IRS, but I'm also realizing the 1040 is specifically titled "U.S. Individual Income Tax Return". That, combined with the fact that self-employed persons are specifically instructed to upload all relevant schedules, makes me think they're only referring to the 1040 for those who qualify on employment wages. Which is correct?

 

I'm just trying to determine if there'd be any issue uploading the full packet (1040 and additional schedules/forms) with 1099s and W2s, or if I should just do 1040, 1099s, and W2s. There is nothing specific in the instructions that says something like "only submit your Form 1040 [if you qualify on employment income only]", they just keep repeating "Federal individual income tax return".

[appleblossom 6,037]

Personally, I’d just wait for the transcript to become available for download. If you’ve filed recently then hopefully it won’t be long. 
 

But if not then yes, follow the instructions carefully and submit just the actual return. 
 

Good luck. 

[Crazy Cat 46,596]

5 hours ago, STDEV said:

I'm just trying to determine if there'd be any issue uploading the full packet (1040 and additional schedules/forms) with 1099s and W2s, or if I should just do 1040, 1099s, and W2s. There is nothing specific in the instructions that says something like "only submit your Form 1040 [if you qualify on employment income only]", they just keep repeating "Federal individual income tax return".

What kind of income are your 1009s for?  Personally, I would send the entire 1040 package if not submitting a transcript.  Transcripts are preferred. 

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-864instr.pdf

 

"You must include each and every Form 1040 Schedule, if any, that you filed with your Federal income tax return.

Edited 10 hours ago by Crazy Cat

[appleblossom 6,037]

25 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

What kind of income are your 1009s for?  Personally, I would send the entire 1040 package if not submitting a transcript.  Transcripts are preferred. 

 

https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/forms/i-864instr.pdf

 

"You must include each and every Form 1040 Schedule, if any, that you filed with your Federal income tax return.

 

That bit is for self employed, but I think the OP is at the NVC stage according to his/her profile. So these would be the relevant instructions https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-5-collect-financial-evidence-and-other-supporting-documents.html

 

But agreed, transcripts would be better, and probably worth waiting for.

[JeanneAdil 7,520]

1099 can be for retirement or Social security or self employment or railroad retirement / there are 22 different types from freelancers to consutants