Q about taxes on N-400

[ludhianvi]

Hi!

I am filling N-400 for my parents. I have been claiming them as dependents on my tax return since they dont work (both are old), and I take care of all their expenses. Also, I believe when I sponsored them, it was one of the requirements to not be a public burden (or something like that, it's been over 6-years already, so my memory is fuzzy). Anyhow, to my question:

Q1. Part 12 of N-400 has a couple of questions about taxes, that I am not sure how to answer. So, will appreciate any advice.

1. Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes?
I dont owe any overdue taxes, and I claim them as dependents, so I guess, I can answer NO, correct?

2. Have you EVER not filed a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?
This is what confuses me more, since they technically never filed taxes, but were claimed as dependents. What do I answer on this, YES or NO?

3. If you answered "Yes," did you consider yourself to be a "non-U.S. resident"?
So, I guess answer to this depends on response to # 2.

Q2. If they need to travel out of country when their application is pending, can they, or I need to fill a form?

Q3. Any preference on online filling or paper-filling? Is one method faster than the other? I personally prefer filling online, just because it is convenient.

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Jbuff]

1. Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes?
I dont owe any overdue taxes, and I claim them as dependents, so I guess, I can answer NO, correct?

Correct answer is "No"

Have you EVER not filed a Federal, state, or local tax return since you became a lawful permanent resident?
This is what confuses me more, since they technically

Answer "NO" they didn't have income and were claimed as dependents. Have them walk with the 5 years of your tax returns when they were being claimed as dependents " That would be copies of your taxes " . You're gonna get a slew of answers saying they're required to file taxes even with no income . USCIS wants to make sure you've paid your taxes . Can't be of good moral character and you don't pay taxes .besides you can't owe taxes on "O" income . The IO goes over your Application and if it does come up thats when they can show copies of your tax returns of them being Claimed as Dependents .

If you answered "Yes," did you consider yourself to be a "non-U.S. resident"?
So, I guess answer to this depends on response to # 2.

if you were to answer #2 question with a Yes. The answer to this question will be you "NO" you can't consider yourself a "non resident " and want to naturalize . Its a question more as . I didn't pay taxes because I don't view myself as a Resident of the USA.

If they need to travel out of country when their application is pending, can they, or I need to fill a form?

No forms to fill out . I traveled twice over sees whilst my n400 was pending . Totalling 4 weeks. At the day of the interview the IO will ask if you've traveled out of the country since your n400 was filed, thats when you update them of your recent travels . If for some reason they don't bring it up , and you did travel you should inform them of it . The day of the nterview ,its not only an interviewbut tan opportunity to go over the application and correct/update information if needed .

Any preference on online filling or paper-filling? Is one method faster than the other? I personally prefer filling online, just because it is convenient.

Its all personal preference. Only difference is with an online application its transmitted right away . Both application move at the same rate once in the system . Its about 14 days before you get confirmation with a mailed in application . Keep in mind not because you're sending both applications at the same time it means they will both move at the same pace in the system. It can or cannot , so don't be alarmed if they have different biometrics and Interview dates . I do know however for the biometrics they can go in together present their appointments and as a courtesy USCIS would allow them to be finger printed . Unless this has changed in the last 6 months They might have to wait a little longer though , as it would be treated as a walk in instead of an appointment. Anyways Good Luck

 

[Jbuff]

Do you owe any overdue Federal, state, or local taxes?
I dont owe any overdue taxes, and I claim them as dependents, so I guess, I can answer NO, correct?

Its good you don't owe any taxes . Question doesn't pertain to you . Its for your parents, seeing that they have zero income and are dependents its impossible to owe taxes . Correct answer is "NO"

 

[ludhianvi]

Thanks Jbuff!

 

[SusieQQQ]

FYI For the “have you ever not filed a tax return.” question, when my dependent daughter filled in the form she checked “yes”, because she personally did not file a tax return and it seemed to us that “no“ would be a false answer. There was a box to explain, and in the explanation she put that she was a minor/student and a dependent on her parents tax return for the period under consideration.

 

[ludhianvi]

Thanks Susie. This makes sense.