Taxes and Citizenship

[hiya123]

Hello, I was needing some advice. I am currently a permanent resident and I want to apply for citizenship but I am nervous. The thing is, I am married but have been filing as single on my tax returns. I've heard that when you apply for citizenship you are investigated and I am afraid that this will not only prevent me from becoming a citizen but also cause an audit by the IRS. Sparing the lectures, can someone give me some input? Thanks!

[rayb]

USCIS does not refer income tax problem issues to IRS. But your filing as single, while married, is in violation of the IRS requirements. You should have filed "married/separate" or "married/joint." Your "single" filed tax returns, when viewed by a USCIS staff person, will be a red flag suggesting a failure to meet commingling of financial affairs of a married couple (as well as misusing the income tax system for a minor improve in refund eligibility).

My advice would be to amend your tax returns for the last three years, to "married/joint" or "married/separate," or to hold off applying for Naturalization until you have filed the next two tax returns as "married/joint," or "married/separate."



--Ray B

Hello, I was needing some advice. I am currently a permanent resident and I want to apply for citizenship but I am nervous. The thing is, I am married but have been filing as single on my tax returns. I've heard that when you apply for citizenship you are investigated and I am afraid that this will not only prevent me from becoming a citizen but also cause an audit by the IRS. Sparing the lectures, can someone give me some input? Thanks!

[hiya123]

USCIS does not refer income tax problem issues to IRS. But your filing as single, while married, is in violation of the IRS requirements. You should have filed "married/separate" or "married/joint." Your "single" filed tax returns, when viewed by a USCIS staff person, will be a red flag suggesting a failure to meet commingling of financial affairs of a married couple (as well as misusing the income tax system for a minor improve in refund eligibility).

My advice would be to amend your tax returns for the last three years, to "married/joint" or "married/separate," or to hold off applying for Naturalization until you have filed the next two tax returns as "married/joint," or "married/separate."



--Ray B

Thanks Ray, I appreciate it, that was very helpful!