Tax returns verification through N400 process

[LocalMotion]

Hello, Newbie here with a question about tax information. Both my wife and I filed taxes (jointly) so I only need to show the past 3yrs, however I did not work during the last 3 tax seasons. I was in College during 2 of those years and did not work this past tax season (2010). Is this bad? I've been a legal resident since 1982 and only now trying to file for my citizenship.

 

[baikal3]

Hello, Newbie here with a question about tax information. Both my wife and I filed taxes (jointly) so I only need to show the past 3yrs, however I did not work during the last 3 tax seasons. I was in College during 2 of those years and did not work this past tax season (2010). Is this bad? I've been a legal resident since 1982 and only now trying to file for my citizenship.

No, it is not "bad", there is no problem with not being employed - it is irrelevant to eligibility for naturalization. By the way, if you have been an LPR since 1982, you may file N-400 based on being a permanent resident for more than 5 years (rather than based on 3 years of marriage to a U.S. citizen spouse). For 5 year rule cases, tax return transcripts are not required (unless you had some extended trips abroad during the last 5 years that may call into question continuous residency). In general 5 year rule cases are more straightforward, require less documentation and get less scrutiny. For 3 year rule (i.e. marriage-based) cases, the marriage itself is scrutinized in detail and there is more paperwork to provide.

 

[Jackolantern]

I've been a legal resident since 1982 and only now trying to file for my citizenship.

I presume you were a child back in 1982? Did any of your parents become a citizen before you turned 18? If yes, you might already be a US citizen (depending on other facts, such as their marital status at the time) and USCIS will deny your N-400 if they see that you've apparently derived citizenship through your parent(s).

 

[LocalMotion]

I presume you were a child back in 1982? Did any of your parents become a citizen before you turned 18? If yes, you might already be a US citizen (depending on other facts, such as their marital status at the time) and USCIS will deny your N-400 if they see that you've apparently derived citizenship through your parent(s).

Yes, I was 6yrs old back in '82. Only 1 of my parents became U.S citizen before I turned 18. I think the law was changed sometime in 2001 to only 1 parent.