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For many immigrants in the United States, the arrival of April 15th, the deadline for filing taxes, represents not only a fiscal obligation but also a source of fear regarding potential immigration consequences.
According to a report from Telemundo, concern has intensified among those without legal status, fearing that the information provided in their statements could be used by immigration agencies to locate them.
Although the confidentiality of data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) remains intact due to court decisions safeguarding it, fear persists within the community. Distrust has grown following previous attempts to allow immigration agencies access to that information.
Tax preparers are reporting a significant drop in attendance. In some cases, they indicate that only a minority of clients with an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) have come this year to complete the process, reflecting the uncertainty they are facing.
IRS data indicates that, as of the end of March, over one million tax returns had not been filed compared to the previous year. This is coupled with changes in the requirements to qualify for tax credits, which has reduced the incentives to file.
Some taxpayers believe that, without access to benefits like family credits, the effort of filing a return becomes meaningless. Others prefer to face potential financial penalties rather than provide personal information that could compromise their privacy.
Tax authorities insist that failing to file is not a legal option and recommend, if necessary, requesting an extension until October, although they clarify that payments must be made before the deadline to avoid penalties and interest.
In this context, fear and misinformation continue to influence the decisions of thousands of immigrants, who face the dilemma of complying with the law or protecting their personal safety.
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