Can Unfiled Taxes Affect Your Security Clearance?

Everyone has to pay their taxes by the April deadline each year. However, despite knowing that taxes are due each year, some of us fall short on paying taxes. You may be compromising critical aspects of your job, including your ability to keep or maintain your security clearance. Instead of jeopardizing your career, there are steps you can take to get yourself and your taxes back in compliance. It’s essential to understand what impact unfiled taxes have on your security clearance. You can correct the situation you find yourself in now and prevent it from occurring again in the future.

When will your security clearance be denied?

The federal government gives out security clearance to people who genuinely are qualified to receive the clearance. Millions of Americans apply for security clearance each year. However, only a small fraction of that number are approved. One of the reasons why you may not receive approval for security clearance is issues with back and current year’s taxes. 

Some of the main reasons that people who apply for security clearance receive denial include:

–    Owing back taxes

–    Keeping unfiled tax returns

–    Having tax liens for back taxes

How does the government know you owe back taxes?

Every person who applies for security clearance is required to fill out and submit a lengthy questionnaire. The questionnaire is called the National Security Positions for the U.S. Department of Personnel. Once they submit the form, they go through a strict background check. This background check will often uncover whether people owe money to the U.S. government. If there are back taxes that they owe, or if they’ve neglected to file tax returns, they may receive a denial. Often, government officials will deny people with delinquent tax returns. The government views these individuals as not trustworthy. How can the government know you’ll follow security clearance rules if you can’t pay your taxes on time? 

How unpaid taxes can affect your security clearance

Additionally, people who owe back taxes are unreliable to the government. People who owe back taxes are more likely to engage in high-risk or illegal activities to get money. The government will not risk the security of the country on people who have money issues. If you are several years behind on filing and paying taxes, the government will often deny security clearance.

However, it’s not impossible to get a security clearance if you owe back taxes. Each year, hundreds of people are granted a security clearance, even if they owe back taxes. However, though these individuals were approved, you should not file for approval until you resolve your back tax problems. Your chances of being approved for security clearance will increase while solving your delinquent tax problems. 

Why it’s good to resolve your unfiled taxes

If you’re seeking security clearance, or need to renew it, you should address your unfiled taxes immediately. Before applying for clearance, you should find the tax resolution option that is best for you. Platinum Tax Defenders have over ten years of experience helping clients resolve tax debt issues. It’s beneficial to work with a tax attorney who can advise and help you through the tax resolution process. Platinum Tax Defenders works with an experienced team of tax attorneys, CPAs, and Enrolled Agents. People who work with a tax attorney have a higher chance of resolving back tax issues. Additionally, those who seek out the help of a tax attorney have a higher chance of being approved for security clearance. 

Can I apply for a security clearance after I resolve my back taxes?

Once you resolve your back tax issue, you can apply for security clearance. You can rest assured that your application will be taken more seriously than if you owed money to the government. Additionally, you’ll also have a better chance of maintaining or renewing any clearance you have.

How to resolve unfiled taxes

If you’re unsure what taxes you need to file and pay, you should hire a tax attorney. A tax attorney can research your tax records and determine which years are missing from your filings. Once your tax attorney knows what years you need to file, he or she can find the files and get you in good standing with the IRS. You have options for getting your tax debt dealt with quickly and efficiently when you owe the IRS money. When you owe thousands of dollars, it might not be feasible to make one lump sum payment to the government. You’ll need to determine a way to pay the debt without losing everything you own. One of your first options could be an Installment Agreement. An Installment Agreement is an agreement with the IRS wherein you pay an affordable monthly payment until you satisfy your tax debt.

Offer in Compromise to settle back taxes

You can also request an Offer in Compromise to settle back taxes. An Offer in Compromise allows you to negotiate a settlement for less than you owe. However, the offer must be reasonable and based on what you learn and the value of any assets you own. 

Working with a tax attorney is very beneficial when attempting to resolve back tax issues to apply for security clearance. Your tax attorney can inform you of what the best option is for you to resolve your unfiled taxes. After you handle your unpaid taxes satisfactorily, you can apply for security clearance. Additionally, you can maintain or renew clearance you already have once you resolve your back taxes.

Get Help From A Tax Relief Professional

Hiring a tax relief specialist can get you a better deal when attempting to pay off back taxes. A tax attorney can help you determine which repayment method is right for you. The tax resolution specialist can also negotiate with the IRS on your behalf and submit the necessary paperwork. Owing back tax debt can leave you in bad financial shape. The IRS only wants to get what money you owe them in back taxes. Often, they are willing to help you settle back taxes, but you have to know how to try. That’s where a tax relief services company can come in handy. When you hire a tax resolution professional, there are other methods you can use to avoid expensive back tax debt. Call Platinum Tax Defenders for a free consultation today.

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    I received a letter from the IRS and it says that I didn’t file my taxes. In order to get some assistance, I found Platinum Tax Defenders! The staff took time on the phone with me to really understand my situation also my needs. The staff was friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Platinum Tax Defenders!!!

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