This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry. Berry & Berry PLLCis an employment and labor law firm in Northern Virginia specializing in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.
By John V. Berry, Esq.
Financial issues are one of the most common security concerns for security clearance holders or applicants. If you are faced with financial issues, it is important to be proactive in trying to correct them before they become grounds for losing your security clearance. If you encounter a problem like this, it is important to hire a security clearance attorney to advise you.
Financial issues are often referred to as “Guideline F” cases within security clearance cases. In Guideline F cases, the government's concerns are about how individuals have handled their finances and their vulnerability to financial manipulation. The criteria for evaluating such cases is the Security Enforcement Agents Directive (seed 4) (pages 15-16).
here it is 5 tips For security clearance holders or applicants when dealing with financial obligations and other issues:
- remain in debt
This is easier said than done. Most of our security clearance clients seek our assistance when multiple invoices are past due, delinquent, in collections, or in foreclosure. In some cases, debts may be ignored. In financial cases, the presence of multiple outstanding debts is one of the most common reasons for denying a security clearance. The first step is to quickly resolve large debts to avoid security clearance issues.
- Cooperation with Creditors (or at least try to)
Debts may not always be repaid in full immediately. Additionally, it's easy to ignore your creditors, especially if you owe too much or have a dispute, but it's not a good idea. Clearance holders or applicants who try to settle their debts are far better off than those who ignore them. Sometimes creditors don't return your calls or are unreasonable, but it's important to document all the steps you take to resolve the debt. This can be very important even if the creditor is reluctant to respond or resolve the issue. Creditors often settle debts with individuals. Clearance holders or applicants should try to work with creditors to resolve debts as much as possible. All documentation regarding such efforts should be retained for future use.
- Stay up to date on taxes
Clearance holders who are in tax trouble, or who fail to pay or file taxes, run a significant risk of losing their security clearance. This risk increases if the issue affects multiple tax years. Tax issues carry more weight for security clearance purposes because they are a debt owed to the government. The government focuses on both unpaid taxes and whether tax returns were completed on time.
If the amount of unpaid taxes or tax liens is too much for an individual to pay at once, it is important to seek a resolution with the IRS or state/county taxing authority. Any effort that shows you're working in good faith to resolve your tax issues will help you if security clearance issues arise. Depending on the severity of your tax issue, we often recommend the involvement of a tax accountant or accountant.
- Report serious financial issues to security personnel
If you experience serious financial problems, it may be important to proactively report them to your personal security contact. Doing so in appropriate circumstances can be used as evidence to alleviate these security concerns. For example, if a bankruptcy occurs, it is important to report it to the security guard. If a permit holder needs to report a financial problem, they should consult an attorney immediately to determine the best course of action.
- Demonstrate financial stability
When financial security concerns arise, it is helpful for security permit holders and applicants to demonstrate that their finances are well managed. It is important to show that the individual has a budget, lives within their means, and plans to pay off large amounts of debt.
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When faced with financial security concerns, it is important to consult a security clearance attorney. If you need assistance with security clearance issues, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or the following phone number: www.berrylegal.com To make an appointment for a consultation.
