Tax return question on form N-400

[derbar]

Hello. I received my green card in 1995.
I now intend to apply for my US Citizenship while I am still employed.
I have tax returns for the last 10 years but due to my ignorance never filed for the first couple of years,
I have contacted my local IRS office & they informed me that their records don’t go back any further than 10 years so I don’t think there is a way for me to provide my first 4 years tax returns. I am concerned about this as one of the questions asks “Have you ever failed to file a Federal, State or local tax return because you considered yourself to be a “nonresident”?”, some friends of mine feel that I am worrying needlessly about this and that I should just answer NO as I have the last 10 years tax returns but I think this could be a potential banana skin which could jeopardize my application, any advice is welcome.
Thank you for this wonderful web site.

 

[sanjoseaug20]

Hello. I received my green card in 1995.
I now intend to apply for my US Citizenship while I am still employed.
I have tax returns for the last 10 years but due to my ignorance never filed for the first couple of years,
I have contacted my local IRS office & they informed me that their records don’t go back any further than 10 years so I don’t think there is a way for me to provide my first 4 years tax returns. I am concerned about this as one of the questions asks “Have you ever failed to file a Federal, State or local tax return because you considered yourself to be a “nonresident”?”, some friends of mine feel that I am worrying needlessly about this and that I should just answer NO as I have the last 10 years tax returns but I think this could be a potential banana skin which could jeopardize my application, any advice is welcome..

Although I should advise you to speak truthfully, it is really unlikely someone will check returns more than 10 years old, and you will be reasonably safe to say you have complied. But, it is your call ... if asked, how will you react, how will you justify.