A new Trump proposal would require tax filers to disclose citizenship status to the IRS

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The Trump administration proposed a major modification to the standard tax return process by adding a citizenship and work-authorization status question to IRS Form 1040 draft releases for 2026. Under the proposed rule, taxpayers and joint-filing spouses must check explicit boxes indicating whether they are U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or aliens authorized to work in the country. Administration officials state the mandate will prevent unauthorized individuals from claiming improper tax credits and federal benefits, estimating potential savings of up to $2 billion. Privacy and civil rights advocates express concern that integrating immigration status queries into standard tax filings converts the Internal Revenue Service into an immigration enforcement mechanism. Tax policy experts warn the measure may deter undocumented immigrants from using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers, resulting in reduced voluntary compliance and federal revenue loss. The policy proposal remains in the federal draft review phase ahead of official tax season implementation.