The answer to whether you can get a passport if you owe taxes depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, if you owe back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may still be able to obtain one, but there are certain situations where your application may be denied or your current passport could be revoked.
The IRS may inform the U.S. Department of State, which is responsible for issuing passports, if you owe a “seriously delinquent tax debt.” This means that you owe the IRS more than $55,000 (as of 2023) and the IRS has filed a Notice of Federal Tax Lien or issued a levy to collect the debt. If you owe seriously delinquent tax debt, the State Department may deny your passport application or revoke your current passport.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, the State Department may still issue a passport if you are traveling for humanitarian reasons or for the public interest, or if you are attempting to resolve your tax debt with the IRS.
Concerned About Getting a Passport? We Can Help
If you have concerns about your ability to obtain or retain your right to travel to and from the U.S. due to tax debt, contact us for a free consultation.
