Summary
A 32-year-old laborer was denied a security clearance under Guideline F, Financial Considerations, due to a history of financial irresponsibility. The Statement of Reasons cited his deliberate failure to file federal and state income tax returns for 2012 and 2013, a delinquent collection account for $687, and an approximate $3,600 debt to his mother-in-law for delinquent child support payments.
Disqualifying conditions were raised under AG ¶ 19(a), AG ¶ 19(c), and AG ¶ 19(g). While mitigating conditions AG ¶ 20(a), AG ¶ 20(b), and AG ¶ 20(d) were applied, they were insufficient to overcome the concerns.
The denial was based on the applicant's failure to file tax returns for 2012 and 2013, his consistent history of not meeting financial obligations, and a lack of demonstrated good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues, particularly concerning child support and tax filings. The judge concluded that these issues raised significant concerns about his reliability and trustworthiness.
Why the Applicant Was Denied
- The applicant failed to file federal and state income tax returns for tax years 2012 and 2013.
- The applicant had a history of not meeting financial obligations, including delinquent child support payments.
- The applicant did not demonstrate a good-faith effort to resolve his financial issues, particularly regarding child support and tax filings.
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 as Required
- AG ¶ 20(a)rejectedBehavior Happened so Long Ago, Was Infrequent, or Unlikely to RecurThe applicant's delinquent debts are recent and not unlikely to recur.
- AG ¶ 20(b)rejectedConditions That Resulted in Financial Problems Were Largely Beyond the Person's ControlWhile some circumstances were beyond the applicant's control, he failed to file tax returns and pay child support.
- AG ¶ 20(d)appliedIndividual Initiated a Good-faith Effort to Repay Overdue CreditorsThe applicant made a belated child-support payment but it was insufficient to demonstrate a good-faith effort.
Key Rule Quoted
“Eligibility for a security clearance is predicated upon the applicant meeting the criteria contained in the AG.”
Procedural Posture
- SOR issuedAug 22, 2015
- Answer filedSep 23, 2015
- Hearing heldFeb 3, 2016
- Decision dateApr 11, 2016
Cite For
- Failure to File Tax Returns as a Disqualifying Condition Under Guideline F
- Impact of Financial Irresponsibility on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Insufficient Evidence of Good-faith Efforts to Resolve Financial Obligations