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. Courts have temporarily blocked the IRS from sharing taxpayers’ information with immigration agencies. However, we know that the IRS shared data with immigration agencies in 2025, and it is possible that they will do so again in the future. Before 2025, the IRS had refused to share personal information with immigration agencies. 

You can read more about the lawsuits trying to stop the IRS from sharing information with immigration agencies here and here. 

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. Also, if you filed taxes in the past, you most likely already provided your address and other personal information to the IRS at that time.

Does everyone need to file taxes? 

You do not need to file taxes if your income was lower than a specific amount in 2025. 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, 2026. 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, at least one parent filing the tax return and 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 GetYourRefund or TurboTax.

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.

If you have questions about filing taxes as an asylum seeker, you can also talk to a lawyer.