I'm trying to figure out what documents I can submit for my proof of earnings.
If I understand correctly, I must submit proof of earnings for the last 12 months. This means that submitting my tax returns from 2005 would not accurately establish my income from the past 12 months, because it does not cover the past 6 months.
I'm concerned because although I earned 42k GBP in the last 12 months through salary, bonuses, and stock incentives (through my employer), only half of this was in base pay, and varied dramatically month-to-month, because months that I received quarterly bonuses are much higher. Because these bonus amounts are not set, my income tax return isn't a real predictor of the future, and thus does not establish what I earned in the last 12 months.
I don't see how submitting bank statements would be helpful, as these just show net earnings, which have taxes, health insurance contribution, 401k, etc. deducted. The amount shown deposited to my bank reflects a much lower amount than my gross earnings, and put me in a lower earning bracket. How do bank deposits really help anyone in a country that deducts taxes from paychecks?
If I submit a letter from my employer with a breakdown of my salary each month for the last 12 months and documents showing the money I received through employee stock sales (from Smith Barney), is that enough? What if I include my pay stubs (although they don't include the stock sales)? What evidence other than pay stubs and bank deposits can be included?
Since my income is very close to the cut-off for the lower bracket, I'd really like to get it right so I can get the full 35 points. Obviously, I'm totally confused at this point. I would really, really appreciate any help.
Thanks in advance for any help you might be able to offer.
