Summary
A 46-year-old defense contractor and Marine Corps veteran was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to unresolved financial issues. The Statement of Reasons detailed several allegations, including the applicant's failure to file federal income tax returns for the years 2008 through 2013, resulting in at least $5,104 in delinquent federal taxes owed from 2010 through 2013.
Additionally, the applicant had multiple delinquent collection accounts. These included five collection accounts and a charged-off account totaling $2,453, another five collection accounts and a charged-off account totaling $495, and a $138 charged-off utility account. Significant debts also included a $16,717 child support collection account and two student loan collection accounts for $517 and $1,731, respectively.
Despite some efforts to address these obligations, the judge found insufficient evidence of comprehensive resolution and a persistent lack of responsible financial management. The decision cited the applicant's failure to file tax returns, the continued existence of unpaid or unresolved delinquent debts, and the resulting concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness. Consequently, the security clearance was denied.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- Applicant failed to file federal income tax returns for multiple years.
- Delinquent federal tax debts and collection accounts remain unpaid or unresolved.
- Applicant's financial irresponsibility raises questions about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Conditions Referenced
- AG ¶ 19(a)raisedInability or Unwillingness to Satisfy Debts
- AG ¶ 19(c)raisedA History of Not Meeting Financial Obligations
- AG ¶ 19(g)raisedFailure to File Annual Federal, State, or Local Income Tax Returns
- AG ¶ 20(c)rejectedThe Person Has Received or Is Receiving Counseling for the ProblemApplicant presented no evidence of financial counseling.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedThe Individual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsSome evidence of payments on certain debts, but not all.
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 issuedAug 15, 2015
- Answer filedSep 15, 2015Applicant elected to proceed without a hearing.
- Hearing held—Decided on the written record.
- Decision dateMar 17, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to Mitigate Financial Considerations Under Guideline F
- Impact of Unresolved Tax Obligations on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Importance of Demonstrating Responsible Financial Management for Clearance Approval.