US tax returns - what is acceptable proof of income

Posted by tsuiwah (404 days ago)

I want to avoid any red flags.

My current employer doesn't give out a monthly payslip. The salary is deposited directly into a joint savings account.

I called the IRS helpline last year and was told that I didn't need any documentation to substantiate the income on my returns, but I have a hard time believing this. Then again, there is no W2 equivalent here (and I read on another thread here that my tax demand note from the IRD may not be accepted as proof of income). Would it be useful to ask my employer for a yearend payroll statement summary? or is my savings passbook good enough to prove income?

The same goes for interest income. Do I just attach a copy of my passbook entries to my return? Also, anyone know what happens if the bank account is a joint account and the other holder is a not a US citizen or resident. Do I have to declare all of the joint account's interest income or half of the interest?

Thanks.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by msnglnk (403 days ago)

well i have been living abroad for many years and all i send in is the 1040EZ. you may think you can't do that without a w-2. wrong.

when you fill in yopur gross income numbers (line 1 - i think). just fill in those same numbers to the immediate right and high-light them. and then just go on from there. i just claim the minimum amount of income in order to colect the maximum amount of "earned income credit" (eic).

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by jwm (403 days ago)

msnglnk...
you cannot claim earned income credit with the 1040EZ.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by msnglnk (402 days ago)

yes you can. there is a line for it on the form and there is instructions and a worksheet for it in the 1040ez book. check it out at http://irs.gov

(I am based in Shanghai)

Posted by msnglnk (402 days ago)

i made a mistake..... when you fill in you gross income... write the same numbers to the immediate "left" and highlight it

(I am based in Shanghai)