Owing (a small amount of) state tax

[Marrienne 112]

Hello!!

 

Quick explanation: this applies to *state* tax only. I do not owe any federal tax.

I was working from home during the lockdown of 2020. My then job issued me a letter that certified I worked from home.

 

However, when I filled the tax return for 2020 the following year, I was double charged state tax (working in 2 counties so I got charged tax for living in one county and working in another), buy of course, I was working from home so I should only have been charged with ONE county tax.

 

Anyhow, I tried to fix it but they didn't reduce the amount and insisted I pay both counties' taxes. 

I have paid half of it and working on the other half.

 

I need to file for naturalization NOW as my sons are turning 18 very very soon and I won't be able to include them in my application. 

 

I looked it up online but I could only find information on owing federal back taxes. I only owe state tax, which I am planning on paying of course. Before you ask, I cannot afford to pay right now but it is in the budget for the immediate future but not before my sons turn 18.

 

My question is: will they look at your application immediately upon filing online or do I have a little time?

Can I write them a letter explaining what happened and show I have paid a portion and I am planning on paying the rest soon?

And to answer this potential question: no MI does not allow for an official payment plan but you can go online and pay amounts towards your debt which I have done.

 

TIA!!!

[Mike E 11,739]

File now since the clock is ticking.

 

Figure it out later

Edited May 17, 2023 by Mike E

[Chancy 6,241]

*** Moved from Tax & Finances forum to US Citizenship General Discussion -- topic is about owing taxes as it relates to N-400 processing ***

 

1 hour ago, Marrienne said:

I need to file for naturalization NOW as my sons are turning 18 very very soon and I won't be able to include them in my application. 

 

Even when your sons turn 18, you need to list them in your N-400 application form.  If you mean the automatic acquisition of citizenship, how soon is "very very soon"?  To be able to qualify, your sons must be below 18 years old at the time you take your US oath.

 

[Marrienne 112]

1 hour ago, Chancy said:

*** Moved from Tax & Finances forum to US Citizenship General Discussion -- topic is about owing taxes as it relates to N-400 processing ***

 

 

Even when your sons turn 18, you need to list them in your N-400 application form.  If you mean the automatic acquisition of citizenship, how soon is "very very soon"?  To be able to qualify, your sons must be below 18 years old at the time you take your US oath.

 

So if they are under 18 when you file (of course I am going to list them) but they take 2 years to process your application and they turn 18 in the meantime, they must submit a new application and pay individually?

[Marrienne 112]

Yes I know it is a "small " amount but I make very little money and I barely make ends meet. Even $100 could be the difference between paying rent or not. So I can't afford the $1000 all at once right now. I must make small payments every other month. 

[Chancy 6,241]

4 minutes ago, Marrienne said:

they take 2 years to process your application and they turn 18 in the meantime, they must submit a new application and pay individually?

 

Yes -- your sons must apply and pay for N-400 individually if they turn 18 before you take your US oath.  Your naturalization certificate will list the date of your US oath ceremony, not your N-400 filing date.

 

[Lemonslice 4,834]

Anyone that could lend you the money? Any job that you, or them, could take this summer? A small extra effort now might be worth it, if you all get citizenship at once?

Edited May 17, 2023 by Lemonslice

[Adventine 3,196]

Could your sons work extra jobs to help pay off the tax? They've got a vested interest in making sure your naturalization process goes smoothly.

[carmel34 3,621]

15 hours ago, Marrienne said:

they take 2 years to process your application

N-400 cases are taking less than a year right now in most locations.  Detroit USCIS field office is showing 10.5 months.

[Marrienne 112]

UPDATE: Provided proof of making payment arrangements with the State, and the officer signed off on it. By the time I had my interview, I owed less than $200. Got approved and have my Oath ceremony tomorrow!!

[Mike E 11,739]

28 minutes ago, Marrienne said:

have my Oath ceremony tomorrow!!

Congrats.

 

Will your kids still be under 18?

[Marrienne 112]

Just now, Mike E said:

Congrats.

 

Will your kids still be under 18?

Yes!!!

It only took 2.5 months from application to Oath ceremony (I applied 6/6, interview was 7/17, Oath is tomorrow 9/13)