Trump admin wants to require tax filers to disclose citizenship status to IRS

The Trump administration has proposed a new requirement for the IRS, asking tax filers to disclose their citizenship or work authorization status on annual tax forms. This move aims to prevent undocumented immigrants from claiming federal benefits, potentially saving taxpayers up to $2 billion. However, critics argue this could weaponize the IRS for immigration enforcement, forcing filers into difficult choices and potentially leading to loss of tax credits for many, including U.S. citizen children.

• The Trump administration proposes requiring tax filers to disclose their U.S. citizenship or work authorization status to the IRS.
• The administration claims this will prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving federal benefits, potentially saving $2 billion.
• A draft 2026 tax form includes a question for filers and their spouses about their citizenship or lawful work authorization.
• Critics fear this requirement could be used as an immigration enforcement tool, forcing filers to choose between self-incrimination or felony charges by lying.
• The policy could lead to hundreds of thousands of people, including U.S. citizen children, losing eligibility for tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit.
• Previously, the Treasury Department’s attempt to share taxpayer data with ICE was blocked by a judge for violating privacy laws.