If you are an undocumented immigrant, it can be a crime to work in the U.S. and not pay taxes on your income. You must pay income taxes in the U.S., even if you are not here lawfully.

If you work in the U.S. you are required to file taxes. You may be eligible for refunds of the federal and state taxes taken out of your paycheck. You can only get these refunds if you file taxes.

Filing taxes can help with an immigration case. For example, filing taxes shows that you respect and follow US laws. This is evidence of good moral character. Good moral character helps with applying to become a US citizen and other immigration cases. Filing taxes also proves how long you have lived in the U.S., which is very important for immigration.

Using false information for work

Even though it is illegal to use false information to get work, illegal income must still be reported on your taxes. You will not be investigated for crimes or turned in to immigration because you reported illegal income.