Does a huge IRS debt effect the chances of getting citizenship?

Question

if you owe a significant amount of money and you're in if your case is still pending can the IRS debt effect the final result?

Answer 1

Citizenship is one of the most coveted gifts that the U.S. government can bestow, and the most important immigration benefit that USCIS can grant. Most people become U.S. citizens in one of two ways:

By birth, either within the territory of the United States or to U.S. citizen parents, or
By Naturalization.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The general requirements for administrative naturalization include:

a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States;
residence in a particular USCIS District prior to filing;
an ability to read, write, and speak English;
a knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government;
good moral character;
attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution; and,
favorable disposition toward the United States.

Your question is that would your IRS debt effect your status as a "good moral character". As long as you are paying the IRS, you are under good standing with the government. You are not committing any FRAUD (tax return) or doing any Criminal activities. You should get your citizenship on time. It's like paying your credit card bill. They would not go after you unless you do not pay.

Answer 2

Among other requirements for citizenship is that you must have filed all required tax returns and be in good standing with the IRS on any payment plans. It's OK to owe money to the IRS, you just have to be keeping up with the required payments.

If the IRS had to come after you for tax fraud or tax evasion that will kill your chances under the "Good Moral Character" requirement, even if the IRS doesn't choose to prosecute.