Filing taxes

This post is for asylum seekers who are preparing to file their taxes in the United States. The agency that collects taxes for the federal government is called the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). There are separate agencies that collect taxes for each state. 

Will the IRS share my tax information with immigration agencies? 

Maybe. On April 7, 2025, the IRS announced that it will share immigrants’ personal information with immigration agencies in specific circumstances. For now, the IRS says they will share addresses, contact information, and other details about immigrants who have final deportation orders or who they suspect of a crime. But this could expand to other groups of immigrants in the future. 

This announcement is a change in IRS practice. In the past, the IRS refused to share information with immigration agencies.

Please note: if you have applied for asylum or a work permit, you most likely already provided your address and other personal information to immigration agencies. 

Read more information here.

Does everyone need to file taxes? 

You do not need to file taxes if your income was lower than a specific amount in 2024. You can check if you are supposed to file taxes on the IRS website. 

What is the deadline to file taxes? 

The deadline to file your taxes is April 15, 2025. If you are not able to file your taxes by this date, learn how to request an extension.

What identification number do I use to file taxes? 

If you have a Social Security Number, you use that number when you file taxes. Most asylum seekers with work permits have a Social Security Number. 

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (“ITIN”) number and use that number to file your taxes. In order to request an ITIN, you will need to give the IRS some personal information, including an address. 

What are the benefits of filing taxes? 

There are benefits to filing your taxes. For example:

• You can receive refunds. When you work in the U.S., sometimes part of your income is automatically withheld by the state and federal governments. When you file your taxes, you may be eligible to receive a refund of the money that was withheld.

• You may be able to receive Child Tax Credit payments. The Child Tax Credit is a payment from the U.S. government to help families with children. To receive Child Tax Credit payments, your children must have Social Security numbers.

• It can help you with your immigration case. For example, filing your taxes can serve as proof of the years that you have lived in the U.S.

How can I get help with my taxes? 

There are online programs that assist with filing taxes such as TurboTax or GetMyRefund.

To get free help in person, you can enter your zip code on this website to find places close to where you live. Or you can call this free hotline: 1-800-906-9887.