I recently submitted my SF-85P form, and I have a concern regarding one of the questions about whether I failed to file or pay federal, state, or other taxes in the past seven years. I was unable to file my 2024 taxes due to a heavily contested divorce and my spouse being in and out of a mental health facility during that time. However, I am currently working on resolving this and plan to file as soon as possible this year.
There is also a lien on the property related to unpaid property taxes, which resulted from the same circumstances. I would appreciate your guidance on how this situation might impact my background investigation and whether it could affect my eligibility.
Additionally, I would like to understand how long the SF-85P process typically takes. My status has shown “submitted for processing” since April 3.
Lastly, I would appreciate advice on whether I should proceed with another job offer and begin working while this process is ongoing.
Thank you for your time and guidance. I would greatly appreciate any clarification, as I am currently unsure about the next steps.
Proceed with new offer. Bird in hand is more valued than 2 in bush.
Immediately work with a tax preparing agency specializing and getting a past filing corrected. This shows action on your part that is documented and if called for interview you can show you are addressing it. Bit until you address it.it is unadressed.
They understand times get tight, money woes entangle you. That is a normal every day event. How you respond to it determines strength of character. I too had a rough divorce, faithfully paid support payments for 5 years. Suddenly my ex quit filing taxes, though getting 17k annually through me on auto withdrawal. I got an audit notice, provided everything. Had an 18 month IRS fight. Once I figured out my wife failed to file, I paid tax lady to get her correct, which then corrected my situation as both hers and mine returns matched. I maintained my TS SCI Full poly, and was reinvestigated with new poly during it all. I was a basket case throughout, so I’m feeling you on both the divorce/mental health crisis and tax blip. Just take action showing you filed on it.
That’s near the top of the list of no-nos when going for a clearance. Why didn’t you file for an extension? That takes all of 3 minutes.
For a clearance, this would be a big concern. For Public Trust, you may be able to wiggle your way out of it. But I recommend getting the issues resolved first. Drop everything else you’re doing and complete/pay your overdue returns so you can at least show the documentation if they ask.
I did file for an extension. but ended up getting separated and couldnt file tax later and attorney advised to bring this up in court and didnt advise me to file separately. So i waited till the court hearing and judge didnt address this and this negatively impacted my situation.
Just say it was on advice from your attorney and have the attorney send you a signed letter attesting to that. If you catch up on your taxes now and get that letter, that may be enough. Public Trust isn’t that strict. And next time, if you’re springing for an attorney, may as well eat $300 for a CPA to handle your taxes for you as well.
Thank you @Amberbunny2 for the advice. I was clueless. I appreciate that and that makes sense. I also want to let you know when they gave me CJO they mentioned proposed start date as 5/4/2026. Is it realistic to complete SF85P by then? My new job offer is also starts from 5/4/2026. There is only SF85P left in my job offer.