[Captain_Bob]

Originally Posted by SpiraMirabilis

1. What if you've only been making enough money to file returns for like 3 years? 2. Would a big gap of like 18 years (from when I was born to 4 years ago or so) necessitate bringing my W-2s ? 3. Also, do I need to get my ATP written finished? (This last question is probably readily available on the website, but just double checking.)
4. Would being a contract CFI imply being self-employed? I think it might. 5. What if you havent been a CFI for a particular company long enough to have to file for taxes?

First and foremost... you are stressing way too much over this...

Just follow the directions exactly as you see them posted and you'll be fine. Here's some answers for you though:

1. You don't even need the tax returns for you interview unless you have unemployment gaps of 6+ months, and those gaps can't be covered by transcripts & such.
2. No... they only want a 10 year work history. If you've only worked for 3 years since you've started paying taxes... then it will only be a 3 year work history. They don't care that you did some extra curricular coursework for your hot, 9th grade, homeroom teacher, Ms. Smith.
3. No... the ATP written is not required for the interview.
4. Depends... if you are contracted to a specific school then you most likely got... or will get... a 1099 for that school. Basically... that means you were self employed... but you'll still list that schools address and contact information for them to verify.
5. Again... not an issue... the Tax Returns are only needed when there long term employment gaps.

Hope that helps!

Bob