Filing taxes in the U.S. can be difficult—especially for people who earn a low income or are new to the country. Many individuals aren’t sure whether they need to file a return, how to claim tax credits, or what steps to take if they owe money to the IRS. Fortunately, several tax relief programs are available that can reduce or even eliminate your tax burden, help you receive a refund, or make your existing debt more manageable. Some programs are also available for immigrants who don’t have a Social Security number but can file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
Programs like the child tax credit, earned income tax credit, and IRS payment plans are designed to help working families and low-income individuals keep more of their income. Whether you qualify depends on several factors, including your income level, how you file your taxes, and how many dependents or children you claim. In cases where immigrant parents have children with valid Social Security numbers, they may still qualify for credits and benefits using an ITIN, even if they aren’t entirely familiar with U.S. tax laws.
This guide is designed for immigrants and low-income workers who want to understand the IRS tax relief options better. You'll learn who is eligible, how to apply, and where to get support. Whether you're a U.S. citizen, a new arrival, or supporting a family on a tight budget, the goal is to help you stay compliant with the law and access the tax relief you may be entitled to.
You can get help from the IRS to pay off your tax debt, lower your owed amount, or get a bigger refund. These programs are especially useful for people who have recently moved to the US, including low-income workers who may struggle to navigate the tax system. Knowing your options is key to making the most of the available assistance.
Even if you didn't pay much or any tax, income tax credits can lower the amount you owe or even give you money back.
If you owe the IRS but can't pay it all at once, there are ways to make payments easier:
People who aren't citizens but still want to file taxes can use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. If you have kids with valid SSNs, you can still get the Child Tax Credit, but you can't get the EITC.
The IRS also has free resources to help with taxes:
The IRS has valuable tools to help you file your taxes and keep track of them:
Filing taxes in the U.S. can be hard, especially for immigrants and low-wage workers. This section breaks down the essentials to help you navigate tax filing and ensure you comply with IRS rules.
If you earn income in the U.S., you might need to file a tax return. You generally must file if:
Even if your income is low and below the filing threshold, it’s still worth filing to claim a refund for any taxes you’ve already paid.
Your number of dependents and filing status can change how much you owe in taxes.
Immigrants who don’t have a Social Security number (SSN) can still file using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). ITINs are issued to individuals who must file taxes but aren’t eligible for an SSN.
Before filing, gather the following documents:
For free assistance, consider using these resources:
Refundable tax credits are a fantastic way to lower your tax bill or get a refund, even if you don't owe any taxes. These credits can help immigrants and low-income workers ease their financial stress. Look at some key refundable tax credits that might apply to you.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) lowers the taxes that people and families who work but don't make a lot of money have to pay. It reduces the taxes you owe or, in some cases, provides a refund.
The Child Tax Credit (CTC) helps families with children under 17. It reduces your tax liability and can refund you if your tax bill is low enough.
The ACTC is part of the Child Tax Credit, which you can return. If your tax liability is too low to claim the full CTC, the IRS will refund the difference through the ACTC.
Families who pay for college or university expenses can get the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC). The AOTC is partially refundable, meaning you can earn money back even if you don’t owe taxes.
The Premium Tax Credit (PTC) helps people buy health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace. The PTC can lower your monthly premiums if your income falls within a specific range.
The IRS has several ways to help you pay off your tax debt over time if you can't immediately pay the whole thing. These choices make it easier to pay your bills on time, which keeps you from getting fines and having your debts collected.
With an installment agreement, you can pay your taxes in monthly payments. You can apply online for this option if your tax debt is under $50,000.
A short-term payment plan is beneficial if you pay off your tax debt within 180 days. This plan doesn’t require a formal agreement with the IRS.
An Offer in Compromise (OIC) lets you pay off your debt for less than what you owe if you can't pay your bills.
If paying your taxes would make it difficult for you to pay for basic needs, you might be able to get Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status, which temporarily halts collection actions.
The IRS also provides penalty relief options. If you have a favorable compliance history, you may be eligible for penalty abatement.
You can set up a payment plan by
An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) is essential for individuals who must file taxes in the U.S. but do not qualify for a Social Security number (SSN). ITINs are issued by the IRS and allow non-SSN holders to comply with U.S. tax laws.
An ITIN is a tax identification number for people who must file taxes but cannot obtain an SSN. It is used exclusively for tax-related purposes and helps individuals report their income and file tax returns.
To apply for an ITIN, follow these steps:
An ITIN is crucial for several reasons:
Understanding taxes can be a challenge, especially for immigrants and low-income workers. To make it easier, the IRS offers several programs to help individuals file taxes, claim credits, and meet their tax obligations. These services ensure that help is available at no cost.
VITA offers free tax preparation to individuals with low-to-moderate incomes, people with disabilities, and those who speak limited English.
TCE helps people aged 60 and older with tax filing, focusing on retirement-related issues.
TACs are IRS offices that offer in-person assistance by appointment.
The IRS Free File program allows eligible individuals to file their taxes online for free with software that provides guidance.
CAAs help individuals who need an ITIN but cannot apply for an SSN.
It can be difficult to file your taxes, but avoiding some common mistakes can help ensure that your application for tax relief goes through without a hitch.
Inaccurate information can cause delays or rejections. Double-check personal details like your name and Social Security Number (SSN). Ensure that your income aligns with documents such as W-2s and 1099s. Incorrect reporting can lead to penalties or audits.
Many taxpayers miss out on valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit. Review eligibility requirements to ensure you claim every credit you're entitled to. If you have dependents, please ensure they are included on your return.
The IRS often requires supporting documents, especially when applying for tax credits or deductions. If applicable, ensure you have proof of income, recent tax returns, and a financial hardship statement. If applying for an ITIN, provide the necessary identity documents, like a passport or birth certificate.
Deadlines matter. Failure to file your return or apply for payment plans on time can result in penalties. Be aware of the due dates for your tax return, payment plans, and extensions.
If you're having trouble paying your taxes or can't meet your payment terms, don't ignore IRS notices. Call the IRS or get help from a tax expert. Ignoring correspondence can lead to serious consequences, such as wage garnishments or levies.
People with trouble with money, immigrants, and low-income workers can get help with their taxes through tax relief programs. Eligibility typically depends on income, filing status, and whether you have dependents or a qualifying child. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit are programs that can help you pay less in taxes. Immigrants can still apply for these programs even if they don't have a Social Security Number (SSN) as long as they have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If you've just moved to America, these tax relief options can help you stay in compliance while making your taxes easier.
Yes, you can still claim some tax credits even if you do not have a Social Security Number (SSN). If you are an immigrant or a nonresident alien who doesn't have an SSN, you can get an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). If their children have valid Social Security numbers, people with ITINs are eligible for credits such as the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit. But if you have an ITIN, you can't get the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). To claim these credits, you need an ITIN to file taxes if you live in the U.S.
Fill out IRS Form W-7 to get an ITIN. You need to show proof of your identity and that you are not a citizen of the United States. You can use documents like a passport or a national ID card. Submit the form along with your tax return to the IRS. You can also apply through a Certified Acceptance Agent (CAA) or visit a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC). Immigrants in America must apply for an ITIN to file taxes or access relief programs, particularly if they are new arrivals. Processing generally takes 7-11 weeks.
The IRS Free File program lets people who make $73,000 or less file their federal taxes online for free. This program is open to people who live in the U.S. and ensures that eligible taxpayers can get tax credits like the EITC and Child Tax Credit without buying tax software. The program simplifies the filing process, especially for low-income individuals and immigrants who may not have the resources to hire tax professionals. Free File ensures that Americans and immigrants can file taxes and claim the credits they deserve.
Yes, the IRS helps people who don't speak English in many other languages. Taxpayer Assistance Centers (TAC) and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) are two programs that help people with their taxes by providing language assistance. If you are an immigrant or non-native speaker in the U.S., these services can help you file your taxes, claim credits, and understand your obligations in your preferred language. This method makes sure that language barriers don't stop you from getting tax breaks.
Filing your taxes accurately expedites the process. Ensure that your name, Social Security number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), and income information are accurate. Make sure your dependents are listed correctly so you can get tax credits. Immigrants who don't have an SSN must file with an ITIN, or their returns may be late. Ensure you keep receipts for any eligible deductions to avoid errors.
Call the IRS to discuss your options if you can't pay all of your taxes. The IRS offers various payment plans and may consider you for Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status if you face financial hardship. This status temporarily suspends collection activities. You might also get an Offer in Compromise (OIC), which lets you pay off your tax debt for less. If you're in the U.S., staying in contact with the IRS is crucial to prevent wage garnishments or other collection actions. Get help from a professional or look at IRS resources to learn how to pay off your tax debt.
Schedule your free, confidential tax relief review today.
Copyright © 2025 Get Tax Relief Now
