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What undocumented SoCal residents should know about the IRS deal with ICE
A sign for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) outside its building in Washington, DC.
(
Kayla Bartkowski
/
Getty Images
)
The Internal Revenue Service said this week it would share the names and addresses of certain immigrants without legal status with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Historically, the IRS has encouraged undocumented communities to file taxes through Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers ( ITIN) while keeping that information private from other agencies.
This decision is a significant shift in the policy, and may leave many undocumented Angelenos wondering if they’re affected, and what to do about filing taxes this year.
L.A. County’s tax deadline was extended to October because of the wildfires, but residents of other counties may have to decide quickly.
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The House of Representatives was sent home for the duration of the government shutdown. Members returned to the Capitol Wednesday with a lot on their minds. -
Critics accused the council of using a nationally polarizing topic for political gain. -
Immigrants in California's newest ICE detention center allege they're experiencing inhumane conditions and that they're not getting access to lawyers. Until recently, the site was a state prison.
It’s unclear when the IRS will begin sharing information, as many details aren’t yet clear. Immigrant rights advocates, including Boyle Heights’ Inclusive Action for the City , are already suing the agency over its plans.
Here’s what you should know
Under the new agreement, ICE will be able to request names and addresses of two groups:
- Undocumented immigrants who have final orders of removal.
- Undocumented immigrants who are under criminal investigation, including for failing to leave the country after 90 days, according to NPR .
If you were planning to file taxes this year, you should first seek assistance from reputable immigrant-focused organizations, such as:
- Community-based organizations serving Southern California. For example, the Coalition for Humane Immigrants Rights of L.A. ( CHIRLA ) or the Korean Youth + Community Center
- Organizations listed on the Immigration Advocates Network
If you are under final orders for removal, filing your taxes could put you at increased risk for deportation, so it's especially important to get assistance.
Be familiar with your rights. ICE can show up with an arrest warrant, but it must be signed by a judge and issued by a court to be valid.
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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