Trump administration proposal would require taxpayers to disclose citizenship status on IRS forms

The Trump administration is proposing that taxpayers be required to disclose their citizenship and work authorization status on their annual IRS tax forms. 

The administration argues the requirement would help prevent illegal immigrants from collecting federal benefits that they're not eligible to receive. This would save taxpayers up to $2 billion, the Trump administration claims, Fox News reported. 

The draft 1040 form for 2026, which was posted in August, includes the question, "At the time you file your return, are you, and your spouse, if filing jointly, a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or an alien lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.?" The question includes a checkbox to answer either "yes or "no." 

A draft of a second form, Schedule 3-A, which is used to claim refundable tax credits, includes a similar question. 

The requirement, according to the Treasury Department, would keep illegal immigrants from claiming refundable tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit or the Additional Child Tax Credit.