Federal workers with unpaid taxes could be barred from government jobs

What does this do?

S 1444 requires the Treasury Department to publish an annual public report on how many current and retired federal workers and military personnel owe back taxes or have not filed returns, broken down by worker category and agency. The bill also bars anyone with seriously delinquent federal tax debt from being hired or kept on as a federal civilian employee. Job applicants must certify they have no seriously delinquent tax debt, and current employees found to have such debt get 180 days to resolve the issue or qualify for an exception.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects current and prospective federal civilian employees and military personnel across all branches and agencies. Private sector workers are not affected.

Why does it matter?

Federal agencies would be required to check public records for tax liens and could request additional tax information from the IRS when a lien is found. Employees already on an IRS installment agreement, in an appeals process, or subject to a wage levy would not be automatically disqualified, and an agency head could retain an employee if termination would not be in the government's best interest.

Where does it stand?