QUESTION
Can paying back taxes affect my chance of getting citizenship?
Asked on Apr 14th, 2013 on Immigration - California
More details to this question:
I have a green card and want to apply for citizenship. I have not paid my taxes in many years. I am going to get my taxes sorted but I like to know if that will affect my chances of getting citizenship.
3 ANSWERS
Civil Litigation Attorney serving New York, NY
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Havens & Lichtenberg PLLC
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USCIS is a part of the federal government; so it is hardly a surprise that it would not even talk to you if you did not pay Uncle Sam. Jokes aside, the application form N-400 specifically asks you whether you paid your taxes (Part 10A, Questions 4 and 5); by law, answering "Yes" any other question in Part10A will automatically disqualify you for citizenship. I suggest clearing up your accounts with IRS first, before you apply for naturalization.
Answered on Apr 19th, 2013 at 12:26 AM
As long as you get everything straightened out with your taxes and pay any back taxes owed, you should be ok.
Answered on Apr 17th, 2013 at 9:48 PM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Alhambra, CA
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Francis John Cowhig
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Yes it will. I suggest that you contact an experienced immigration attorney for a face-to-face consultation and give him/her all of the facts surrounding your situation. He/she would then be in a better position to analyze your case and advise you of your options.
Answered on Apr 17th, 2013 at 12:54 AM