40k Cash but no proof of income. Been working abroad for past 5 years

[John Richardson]

Well I'm moving back to the USA soon and would like to buy a fourplex for around 200k with a 20% down payment.  However I have been living and working abroad for the past 5 years and have no proof of income in the USA.  I didn't have to file taxes because they were payed by the employer and I wasn't a resident in the USA anymore.  I have a Master's degree in the health field and should be able to find a job very quickly because shortage in my field so I am not very worried about lack of income.    

What can I do in my situation?  Other than working and waiting 2 years to get financing.

[Jesse Waters]

John.  First question, are you a US citizen?  If so, you should have filed a tax return even if you didn't owe anything.  I have worked out side the US for the past 5 years as well and my employer pays my taxes, which generates a benefit in kind.  Talk to a tax pro or accountant who is knowledgeable in the field.  A friend of mine was in the same boat, working over seas with our employer paying taxes, she hadn't filed in 5 or so years but wanted to buy a house.  She filed all her tax returns at once just to have the income history for the banks, even though she didn't owe anything.  The IRS didn't seem to mind since she owed them nothing and they owed her nothing.  That might be one solution to prove past income.