Immigrants and the IRS
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Jocelyn Cortez

Attorney at GWP Immigration Law

Immigrants and the IRS: Beware: Identity verification letters arrive: Is it safe?

Avoid a major mistake some undocumented immigrants make while living in the shadowsYes, it is safe for immigrants to respond to the IRS letter confirming their identity. There are many different kinds of immigrants (undocumented, legal permanent residents, TPS, DACA, asylees, etc). However for, the internal revenue service there are only two: Immigrants with social security number and immigrants with ITIN number (a special number provided by the IRS to do their taxes). Does immigration have access to IRS? The answer is ” only when you provide the information”. Thus, the immigrants and the IRS can deal safely without the fear of Immigration being involved in the process.  Can immigrants file for taxes? They can and they MUST. Regardless of what type of immigrant the person is, they must file taxes and answer to the IRS without fear. the IRS is not the department of immigration and will not communicate to the Immigration authorities about your immigration status, they only care about your obligation to file a tax return and pay your taxes. Undocumented immigrants pay millions of dollars in taxes every year and the IRS wants to ensure they do.

Immigrants Alert: IRS Identity Verification Letters Arrive!

To protect tax payers, the IRS uses these letters to verify information and prevent identity theft. They do not want to verify if you are legal or not in the United States. They just want to make sure they are dealing with the right person. It is important for immigrants to follow the instructions in the letter and provide the necessary documentation to confirm their identity. Failure to respond to the IRS letter could result in delays in processing tax returns or other important documents. It is recommended that immigrants consult with a tax professional or legal advisor if they have any concerns about responding to the IRS letter.

Overall, confirming identity with the IRS is a standard procedure and should not pose any risks to immigrants. If you have received a letter from the IRS requesting confirmation of your identity, it is important to take action promptly. By following the instructions in the letter and providing the necessary documentation, you can ensure that your identity is verified and prevent any potential issues with your tax returns or other important documents. It is always advisable to seek guidance from a tax professional or legal advisor if you have any concerns about responding to the IRS letter. Remember, confirming your identity with the IRS is a routine process aimed at protecting taxpayers from identity theft and ensuring the accuracy of tax information. Rest assured that responding to the IRS letter is safe and necessary to maintain compliance with tax regulations.

To confirm your identity with the IRS, you can use the online Identity Verification Service on the IRS website. You will need to provide personal information such as your Social Security number, date of birth, and filing status. The IRS may also ask you to answer specific questions based on your credit report or tax history. Many immigrants will not be able to use this option for lack of a credit history. If you are unable to verify your identity online, you can call the IRS Identity Verification Service at the phone number provided on the IRS website. It is important to accurately provide the requested information to confirm your identity and avoid any delays in processing your tax return or other IRS transactions. Remember to keep your personal information secure and only provide it to official IRS sources. If the phone call does not solve the problem, you will have to make an appointment at the local IRS office and talk in person with a tax officer. Do not fear making this appointment, the IRS officer is not an immigration officer and immigrants should not fear them.

Now, please be aware of scams. As immigrants have billons of dollars in spending power, they are an easy target for scammers. If you receive any suspicious requests for personal information claiming to be from the IRS, do not respond and report it to the IRS immediately. You can call and report. Your identity and financial security are important, so take the necessary steps to protect yourself from identity theft and fraud. Remember, the IRS will never initiate contact with you via email, text message, or social media requesting personal information. Be cautious of any unsolicited communications claiming to be from the IRS and do not click on any links or provide any information. Beware that there are many scammers traying advantage of consumers and they specially take advantage of immigrants because they know we are afraid of any government official. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of a communication, contact the IRS directly using the official contact information available on their website.

Protecting your personal information and identity is crucial in today’s digital age, so stay vigilant and proactive in safeguarding your sensitive data. By taking the necessary precautions and verifying your identity with the IRS when required, you can help prevent identity theft and ensure the security of your financial information. If you have any concerns or questions about verifying your identity with the IRS, don’t hesitate to reach out to their customer service for assistance. Your security and peace of mind are worth the extra effort to confirm your identity with the IRS.

If you need assistance please contact Futuro Tax, a tax preparation office dedicated exclusively to immigrants and their families in the United States. Futurotax.com will guide you and help you take the necessary steps to answer to your letter of verification of identity. Remember , the faster you answer, the faster you will receive your reimbursement.

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