Summary
The applicant, a 47-year-old defense contractor with a history of financial issues, faced security concerns under Guideline F due to unpaid federal taxes and unresolved debts. Despite establishing a payment plan with the IRS, the applicant's ongoing tax liabilities and lack of significant progress in resolving his debts led to the denial of his security clearance.
Under Guideline F (Financial Considerations), the Statement of Reasons alleged the following: failed to pay his federal income taxes for the period 2009 through 2012 (1.a). owed approximately $937 (2009) (1.b). owed approximately $3,823 (2010) (1.c). owed approximately $2,611 (2011) (1.d). owed approximately $950 (2012) (1.e). owed on two collection accounts in the amounts of $1,934 and $185 (1.f). owed on a collection account in the amount of $185 (1.g).
The judge denied the clearance. The government raised disqualifying conditions F.1.a, F.1.c. The judge applied mitigating conditions F.2.b, F.2.a, F.2.c, F.2.d. The decision turned on the following: The applicant has unresolved federal tax debts and a collection account that remain unpaid; The applicant's financial history raises doubts about his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment; The applicant incurred new tax debt while attempting to address previous obligations.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant has unresolved federal tax debts and a collection account that remain unpaid.
- The applicant's financial history raises doubts about his reliability, trustworthiness, and good judgment.
- The applicant incurred new tax debt while attempting to address previous obligations.
Conditions Referenced
- F.1.araisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- F.1.craisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- F.2.bappliedConditions That Resulted in the Financial Problem Were Largely Beyond the Person's Control
- F.2.arejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was so Infrequent, or Occurred Under Such Circumstances That It Is Unlikely to Recur
- F.2.crejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the Problem
- F.2.drejectedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue Creditors or Otherwise Resolve Debts
Key Rule Quoted
“Any doubt concerning personnel being considered for access to classified information will be resolved in favor of national security.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedJul 2, 2014
- Answer filedJul 25, 2014
- Hearing heldDec 4, 2014
- Decision dateFeb 12, 2015
Cite For
- Denial of Security Clearance Due to Unresolved Financial Obligations
- Impact of Recent Tax Debts on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Whole-person Factors in Financial Cases