Local & Community
New IRS tax forms to ask about citizenship and work authorization
Millions of taxpayers preparing to file their federal income taxes could encounter new questions about citizenship or work authorization on upcoming tax forms.
The IRS has confirmed that new forms will include a question regarding whether a taxpayer is a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the country.
The agency says the information is intended to strengthen tax administration and help ensure tax benefits reach people who meet the legal requirements.
The change comes as eligibility requirements for certain tax credits have become more closely tied to Social Security numbers and immigration status.
For the Child Tax Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit, the IRS says that beginning with tax year 2025, taxpayers generally must have a Social Security number valid for employment to claim the credits. Qualifying children must also have a Social Security number valid for employment.
The Earned Income Tax Credit also has eligibility requirements involving Social Security numbers and U.S. citizenship or resident-alien status.
Taxpayers who use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, or ITIN, still have federal tax filing obligations when required. However, having an ITIN does not by itself make someone eligible for every tax credit.
The IRS is currently publishing 2026 draft tax forms and instructions as it prepares for the upcoming filing season. The agency cautions that draft forms should not be filed or relied upon as final instructions.
Tax specialists recommend taxpayers review the requirements before filing and seek professional assistance if they are unsure about their eligibility or how the new questions apply to their situation.
The IRS also provides online tools and eligibility information for taxpayers trying to determine whether they qualify for credits such as the Child Tax Credit and Earned Income Tax Credit.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 25, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
New findings reveal what led to the death of Jackie, the beloved bald eagle from Big Bear Valley. A necropsy confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza (bird flu) as the primary cause of her decline. The infection caused a severe stomach ulcer, internal bleeding, anemia and a secondary bacterial infection. Testing also detected rat poison in Jackie’s liver, but officials say it was not identified as the primary cause of her death. Tests were negative for West Nile virus, and lead levels were within acceptable limits. Jackie’s mate, Shadow, remains in Big Bear Valley. Officials say there is no evidence that Shadow or the eaglets are sick. Jackie’s story captured hearts across the country and brought attention to bald eagle conservation. #JackieTheEagle #BigBear #BaldEagles #WildlifeConservation #BirdFlu #NBCPalmSprings
As discussion around flock cameras continues to spark greater conversations about surveillance and security, the Palm Springs Police Department is expected to provide an update on their flock camera program at tonight’s city council meeting. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we bring the latest details on this discussion #flockcameras #palmsprings #citycouncil #coachellavalley #760
A potent cold front will finally bring widespread fall-like temperatures to much of the central and eastern US.
Republican Rep. Mike Collins and Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff clashed over Jeffrey Epstein during a debate in Georgia. Collins challenged Ossoff over campaign donations from LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, who has acknowledged meeting Jeffrey Epstein, while Ossoff countered accusing Collins of voting against releasing Epstein-related records, and helping to "cover up" evidence.
A man and his nephew captured the moment a huge whale slammed into the side of their boat while they were fishing off the coast of Long Island, New York.
Winnie the Pooh turns 100. The popular bear's legacy lives on not only in books but as toys and collectibles too.
🎶 60 ARRESTS, BUT NO $48K FINE? Head Trip Music Festival is over, but the aftermath is making headlines. Indio police made 60 arrests during the two-day festival, nearly half for drug possession. Meanwhile, the city is waiving a potential $48,000 fine after Swedish House Mafia played past the midnight curfew — citing weather disruptions that forced Saturday’s festival to shut down early. #Indio #HeadTripFestival #SwedishHouseMafia #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews
🙏 Prayers pouring in from around the world for Pope Leo XIV. The 71-year-old pontiff is recovering after surgery revealed lung cancer. Doctors say the growth was detected at an early stage — highlighting why early detection can make all the difference. ❤️ #PopeLeoXIV #LungCancer #EarlyDetection #YourHealthToday
🚨 Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco is speaking out after California lawmakers decided to destroy ballots from the 2025 special election, ending his investigation into possible ballot miscount. What do you think the decision means for election transparency, accountability, and the ongoing questions surrounding election integrity? Let us know in the comments. #ChadBianco #RiversideCounty #CaliforniaPolitics #electionnews
Should Palm Springs residents elect their mayor directly? The city is asking residents to weigh in on whether to change its current system, where the mayor rotates annually among the five City Council members. Community meetings are scheduled for Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at ALO Palm Canyon and Monday at Palm Springs High School. Residents can also complete an online survey in English or Spanish. Share your input before next Monday at EngagePalmSprings.com. #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsNews #CoachellaValley #LocalGovernment #CityCouncil CommunityInput NBCPalmSprings