Always file with IRS tax transcripts. here’s why. Think of it this way: an IRS tax transcript is like a store receipt. It proves that you already completed the transaction. Your Form 1040 only shows what you filled out, but it’s not proof that you actually filed your taxes, if that makes sense.
I’ve helped about 50 people file over the past few years, and my motto is always to overwhelm USCIS with strong evidence to avoid an RFE. I don’t like to “hold” evidence for the interview. I want to get approved right away.
You can file now with your 2022, 2023, and 2024 tax transcripts. It’s understandable that you don’t need to submit your 2025 tax transcript yet since you have until April 15, 2026, to file that one.
N-400 is the only form that im comfortable to file online. The rest ? All paper including i-751
P.S. I just filed mine less than two weeks ago too, and yes I submitted 5 years of IRS tax transcript because im OCD and I’ve been filing jointly with my spouse that long