Summary
A 53-year-old divorced Navy veteran with a bachelor's degree in information technology was granted a security clearance despite initial concerns under Guideline F (Financial Considerations). The applicant had 17 delinquent accounts totaling approximately $66,150 and failed to file federal income tax returns for 2014, 2015, and 2016. These issues raised disqualifying conditions related to financial irresponsibility and an inability to meet financial obligations.
However, the applicant demonstrated significant mitigating efforts. She filed all overdue federal and state tax returns and paid all taxes owed. Additionally, she made substantial payments towards her delinquent debts and successfully settled several accounts.
The decision to grant the clearance was based on the applicant's demonstrated commitment to financial responsibility and stability, particularly since her security clearance interview. These actions effectively mitigated the initial financial concerns, leading to a favorable outcome.
Why the Applicant Prevailed
- The applicant filed overdue tax returns and paid all federal and state taxes owed.
- The applicant made significant payments towards delinquent debts and settled several accounts.
- The applicant demonstrated a commitment to financial responsibility and stability since her security clearance interview.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(f)raisedFailure to File or Fraudulently Filing Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- AG ¶ 20(a)appliedThe Behavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- AG ¶ 20(b)appliedThe Conditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person’s Control
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated and Is Adhering to a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors
- AG ¶ 20(g)appliedThe Individual Has Made Arrangements with the Appropriate Tax Authority to File or Pay the Amount Owed
Key Rule Quoted
“The ultimate determination of whether to grant eligibility for a security clearance must be an overall commonsense judgment based upon careful consideration of the guidelines and the whole-person concept.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 12, 2019
- Answer filedAug 5, 2019
- Hearing heldDec 3, 2019
- Decision dateJan 28, 2020
Cite For
- Mitigation of Financial Difficulties Under Guideline F
- Importance of Demonstrating Financial Responsibility
- Whole-person Concept in Security Clearance Evaluations