I see it frequently.  It is becoming a common practice with salaried positions.  With respect to commission-based roles, I see it much less as it is more crucial to see production statements, but certainly not out of the question.

Well, if they are offering you a percentage of your trailing 12 in an upfront check...then it might be helpful for them to have proof of your trailing 12.

Sounds reasonable if that's the case.

I have been at 3 firms in 15 years - each one required some proof of previous revenue / income.

Thanks for the advice…It does not seem that they will be offering an upfront check, sinceI have not been at the firm in 2 months. This position will be a commission structure , assuming forgivible draw for a certain period, but all commission. Do you think it is prudent to send it, or will i t be a sign not to work with such a company?

as well, they are not  asking for trailing 12, they are asking for w-2…

?...I spoke with my accountant and he was furious tellimg me that I did not want to work with a company who would request such a athing

Might want to make sure your accountant is up to date on other topics. No way your old employer is going to tell the new employer over the phone what you made last year. I won't say anything, except to verify employment. I had a hiring broker call get mad and me a weaner because I would not conduct a narrative discussion about my ex employee. You'd have to crazy not to laugh.

Your accountant is a moron and he should’ve stapled a copy of your W-2 to your file copy of your Form 1040.

he did staple a copy of w-2 to 1040…all he is saying is would I want to join a firm who is basing there offer on what my 1040 or w-2 says, and actually asking me to fax them a copy. I would understand a copy of trailing 12, but actuially income. So thats why I wanted to know if it was customary to do so…thanks

[quote=excitr1011]he did staple a copy of w-2 to 1040…all he is saying is would I want to join a firm who is basing there offer on what my 1040 or w-2 says, and actually asking me to fax them a copy. I would understand a copy of trailing 12, but actuially income. So thats why I wanted to know if it was customary to do so…thanks[/quote]

In our business it is a fairly common practice especially for those who are starting new without a prior track record in production.

[quote=excitr1011]he did staple a copy of w-2 to 1040...all he is saying is would I want to join a firm who is basing there offer on what my 1040 or w-2 says, and actually asking me to fax them a copy. I would understand a copy of trailing 12, but actuially income. So thats why I wanted to know if it was customary to do so..thanks[/quote]

They want to know if you lied about how much money you said you made on the application. Your accountant is still a moron.

HAha…my poor accountant…

Show them your W2.  They will be using your W2 as a rough idea for your draw amount so that your income will not be too drastically different. 

Plus, it is another step in the system of checks and balances to ensure that you were accurate on your application about previous income.

thanks guys…I appreciate the insight…Just wanted to know it isnt some mickey mouse company asking for something not customary in opening stages…

[quote=excitr1011]thanks guys...I appreciate the insight....Just wanted to know it isnt some mickey mouse company asking for something not customary in opening stages......[/quote]

It is NOT customary to require a W2 during the opening stages.  Usually they will ask you verbally, and then notify you that they will require paper confirmation at a later stage.

I would not suggest you share your W2 with a firm until you approach the offer stage.  At that time, it's very important that your W2 documentation match your verbal answer.

I suggest you tell them your numbers, and then promise to show them the W2 for confirmation during reference checks.  If they are unwilling to accept your word at this point, then you may not have a match.  Move on.

What if you don’t care about a salary? I really couldn’t care less, just want to break into this field, is it still a requirement?

So... what you are really saying is that you lied in the interview about how much you made at your previous job ... it's o.k. , everyone has done it (o.k. - some of you didn't ) at one time or another.  They want the info to get an idea of the level of success you had at your last job.

The people you are interviewing with have seen it all before.  Tell them that the reason for the gap is because of some sort of "soft dollar " arrangement etc.  They will tell  you they can only extend an offer based on what you have documented.  You say "ok" and , since you don't care about the salary, you accept the offer.

You save face after "embellishing" your past performance and the company gets to hire you "cheap"

You are correct, although I made considerably more than I listed, most of it was in cash. I ran my own business. I really don't care if they pay me in coconut shells I just want in.

explain that and you will be fine.  If they don't like it  - go to another firm.  The industry loves an entrepreneur...

Best of luck.

Thanks for the tips, Will any of the major firms hire a trainee with no salary? I really don’t need one and like I said I just want in.