Thousands of Security Clearances in Jeopardy Due to Tax Debts

A recent report by the Government Accountability Office stated that 83,000 Defense Department employees or contractors owed more than $730 million in unpaid taxes. Although not paying taxes does not prevent an individual from obtaining a security clearance, these individuals are considered more risky and could prevent the granting of such clearance.

The IRS has assigned a program manager to integrate an automatic tax compliance check for individuals requesting a security clearance and those who already have them. Resolving these outstanding tax debts with an installment agreement or offer in compromise can help to prevent the loss of someones security clearance. Those with security clearances and tax debts should immediately begin to work with the IRS in order to resolve these past tax debts to protect those clearances.

If someone fails to promptly address issues raised by the IRS or the State of Maryland/Washington, DC now, it may be impossible for a tax lawyer to undo all the damage in the future. However, working with the IRS or tax agencies as soon as possible will always be benficial. Contact the attorneys at Longman & Van Gracks tax practice today at (301) 291-5027 to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team of tax lawyers, based in Bethesda and Rockville, Maryland, are prepared to help you resolve your tax-related issues as efficiently and discreetly as possible.