The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced a significant policy change this week regarding its handling of information for undocumented immigrants. In a departure from its historic practice of confidentiality, the agency will now share the names and addresses of certain individuals without legal status with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Background on IRS and ITINs

For years, the IRS has encouraged undocumented individuals to fulfill their tax obligations using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), while ensuring that their personal information remained private from other governmental bodies. This recent shift in policy has left many in the undocumented community, particularly in Los Angeles, concerned about potential repercussions.

The tax filing deadline for residents of Los Angeles County was recently extended to October due to wildfires. However, residents in other counties may face an impending deadline and need to navigate their filing amidst uncertainty.

New Policy Details

Under the revised agreement, ICE will have the ability to request identifying information of two specific categories of undocumented immigrants:

• Those who have final orders of removal.
• Those under criminal investigation, which includes individuals who have not left the country within the designated 90-day period.

As of now, details surrounding the implementation of this new information-sharing policy are not fully defined, leading to confusion and anxiety within the community.

Guidance for Tax Filers

For individuals planning to file taxes this year, it is crucial to seek help from reputable organizations that specialize in immigrant support. If you are facing final orders of removal, submitting your tax returns may heighten the risk of deportation, making professional guidance essential.

Understanding Your Rights

It is important for undocumented individuals to be aware of their rights. ICE agents may appear with an arrest warrant, but it is imperative that such a warrant is signed by a judge and issued by a court to hold legal validity.

Immigrant advocacy groups, including Boyle Heights’ Inclusive Action for the City, are actively pushing back against these changes, with some organizations already filing lawsuits against the IRS to challenge its decision.