Q: Concerns about Public Trust clearance with financial issues and foreign contact.

A: Because his Ch13 is a given and he is not asking about his Ch13, his question is NOT a bankruptcy question, it's a Public Trust clearance question.

A: Once all your tax returns have been filed and the taxes paid on all of them, you should be fine. It doesn’t appear there are any other issues in the narrative you gave.

A: We handle these types of cases. You should likely work with an accountant or tax attorney to resolve your tax issues. The key is to show ongoing responsibility in resolving the tax issues and ensuring that you have filed all of your returns and are working towards paying off all debt.

A: Given your situation, the primary concerns for your Public Trust clearance will revolve around financial responsibility, foreign contacts, and previous clearance denials. Your ongoing bankruptcy, although responsibly managed, signals potential financial vulnerability. Be prepared to discuss the reasons behind your Chapter 13 filing and demonstrate consistent adherence to your repayment schedule.

The financial assistance you've provided to a foreign national in Colombia could raise concerns regarding foreign influence or coercion risks. You should openly disclose the nature and extent of this relationship, emphasizing transparency about the funds you've sent, how you met, and the frequency of your interactions. Providing thorough and clear documentation will help demonstrate that this relationship poses no threat to your reliability or trustworthiness.

Finally, your previous denial of a federal security clearance due to tax-related issues will likely be scrutinized closely. Highlight the steps you've taken since then, such as promptly filing your 2024 taxes and maintaining current bankruptcy payments, to illustrate your commitment to financial integrity. By proactively demonstrating corrective actions, openness, and accountability, you significantly strengthen your position during the clearance process.