Security Magazine logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Security Magazine logo
  • NEWS
    • Security Newswire
    • Technologies & Solutions
  • MANAGEMENT
    • Leadership Management
    • Enterprise Services
    • Security Education & Training
    • Logical Security
    • Security & Business Resilience
    • Profiles in Excellence
  • PHYSICAL
    • Access Management
    • Fire & Life Safety
    • Identity Management
    • Physical Security
    • Video Surveillance
    • Case Studies (Physical)
  • CYBER
    • Cybersecurity News
    • More
  • BLOG
  • COLUMNS
    • Career Intelligence
    • Cyber Tactics
    • Cybersecurity Education & Training
    • Leadership & Management
    • Security Talk
  • EXCLUSIVES
    • Annual Guarding Report
    • Most Influential People in Security
    • The Security Benchmark Report
    • Top Guard and Security Officer Companies
    • Top Cybersecurity Leaders
    • Women in Security
  • SECTORS
    • Arenas / Stadiums / Leagues / Entertainment
    • Banking/Finance/Insurance
    • Construction, Real Estate, Property Management
    • Education: K-12
    • Education: University
    • Government: Federal, State and Local
    • Hospitality & Casinos
    • Hospitals & Medical Centers
    • Infrastructure:Electric,Gas & Water
    • Ports: Sea, Land, & Air
    • Retail/Restaurants/Convenience
    • Transportation/Logistics/Supply Chain/Distribution/ Warehousing
  • EVENTS
    • Industry Events
    • Webinars
    • Solutions by Sector
    • Security 500 Conference
  • MEDIA
    • Interactive Spotlight
    • Photo Galleries
    • Podcasts
    • Polls
    • Videos
      • Cybersecurity & Geopolitical Discussion
      • Ask Me Anything (AMA) Series
  • MORE
    • Call for Entries
    • Classifieds & Job Listings
    • Continuing Education
    • Newsletter
    • Sponsor Insights
    • Store
    • White Papers
  • EMAG
    • eMagazine
    • This Month's Content
    • Advertise
  • SIGN UP!
Security Enterprise ServicesGovernment: Federal, State and Local

Report: Thousands of Tax Delinquents Have Security Clearances

November 13, 2013

Thousands of tax delinquents, including one who owes the IRS $2 million, have sensitive security clearances, posing a risk that has gone undetected by federal agencies, congressional investigators will report this Thursday.

According to a General Accounting Office report, 8,400 U.S. officials and contractors with access to sensitive government secrets have racked up $85 million in delinquent tax debts, NBC News reports.

The report is the latest example of what members of Congress and investigators say are glaring weaknesses in the government’s system of vetting those receiving security clearances, the article says.

The GAO study did not examine members of the U.S. military or employees of U.S. intelligence agencies with clearances. It focused on 240,000 officials and contractors with clearances elsewhere in the government, such as Homeland Security, State and Energy departments.

The report states that an official or contractor with tax debts is “at risk of having to engage in illegal acts to generate funds” and could therefore put national security secrets at risk. The current federal background check system does not check federal tax databases before granting clearances, instead relying on “self-reporting” of debts and checking of credit reports – which do not disclose tax debts unless liens have been filed. 

KEYWORDS: background check government contractor IRS national security security clearance tax delinquency

Share This Story

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Recommended Content

JOIN TODAY
To unlock your recommendations.

Already have an account? Sign In

  • Iintegration and use of emerging tools

    Future Proof Your Security Career with AI Skills

    AI’s evolution demands security leaders master...
    Security Leadership and Management
    By: Jerry J. Brennan and Joanne R. Pollock
  • The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report

    The 2025 Security Benchmark Report surveys enterprise...
    The Security Benchmark Report
    By: Rachelle Blair-Frasier
  • The Most Influential People in Security 2025

    Security’s Most Influential People in Security 2025

    Security Magazine’s 2025 Most Influential People in...
    Most Influential People in Security
    By: Security Staff
Manage My Account
  • Security Newsletter
  • eMagazine Subscriptions
  • Manage My Preferences
  • Online Registration
  • Mobile App
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content is a special paid section where industry companies provide high quality, objective, non-commercial content around topics of interest to the Security audience. All Sponsored Content is supplied by the advertising company and any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and not necessarily reflect the views of Security or its parent company, BNP Media. Interested in participating in our Sponsored Content section? Contact your local rep!

close
  • critical event management
    Sponsored byEverbridge

    Why a Unified View Across IT, Continuity, and Security Makes or Breaks Crisis Response

  • Charlotte Star Room
    Sponsored byAMAROK

    In an Uncertain Economy, Security Is a Necessity - Not an Afterthought

  • Sureview screen
    Sponsored bySureView Systems

    The Evolution of Automation in the Command Center

Popular Stories

Digital, tablet and hands

The 2025 Annual Guarding Report: Unrest Inspires Upgrades in Training, Technology

Red laptop

Security Leaders Discuss SitusAMC Cyberattack

Cybersecurity predictions of 2026

5 Cybersecurity Predictions for 2026

Water faucet and cup

High Water Mark: CISA Shares Foundations for Effective Cybersecurity and Risk Management

Code

Security Leaders Discuss the Marquis Data Breach

Top Cybersecurity Leaders

Events

September 18, 2025

Security Under Fire: Insights on Active Shooter Preparedness and Recovery

ON DEMAND: In today’s complex threat environment, active shooter incidents demand swift, coordinated and well-informed responses.

January 14, 2026

Is Your Organization Prepared to Navigate Interconnected Threats in 2026?

The 2026 threat environment will be louder, faster, and more interconnected. The most pressing risks, from global political volatility to emerging tech disruptions, will challenge organizations to act amid ambiguity and protect credibility in an era of accelerating uncertainty.

View All Submit An Event

Products

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

Security Culture: A How-to Guide for Improving Security Culture and Dealing with People Risk in Your Organisation

See More Products

Related Articles

  • Stacks of papers and folders on a desk

    48% of Americans have received a fraudulent tax-related message

    See More
  • Federal Security Clearances Drop 9 Percent Since 2011

    See More
  • Report Says Half of Android Phones Have Security Flaws

    See More

Related Products

See More Products
  • 9780367259044.jpg

    Understanding Homeland Security: Foundations of Security Policy

  • Security of Information and Communication Networks

  • Hospitality Security: Managing Security in Today's Hotel, Lodging, Entertainment, and Tourism Environment

See More Products
×

Sign-up to receive top management & result-driven techniques in the industry.

Join over 20,000+ industry leaders who receive our premium content.

SIGN UP TODAY!
  • RESOURCES
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    • Store
    • Want More
  • SIGN UP TODAY
    • Create Account
    • eMagazine
    • Newsletter
    • Customer Service
    • Manage Preferences
  • SERVICES
    • Marketing Services
    • Reprints
    • Market Research
    • List Rental
    • Survey/Respondent Access
  • STAY CONNECTED
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
  • PRIVACY
    • PRIVACY POLICY
    • TERMS & CONDITIONS
    • DO NOT SELL MY PERSONAL INFORMATION
    • PRIVACY REQUEST
    • ACCESSIBILITY

Copyright ©2025. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing