Fact-check analysisVerified as of July 13, 2025Curated by FactVerify
False

Is it true undocumented immigrants don’t pay taxes in the United States ?

Undocumented immigrants do pay federal, state, and local taxes in the United States, contributing tens of billions of dollars annually despite their unauthorized status.

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Source: factverify.com

At a glance

Key Evidence

Verified July 13, 2025
The reporting

What the Evidence Shows

The claim that undocumented immigrants do not pay taxes in the United States is inaccurate. Multiple authoritative sources confirm that undocumented immigrants contribute significantly to tax revenues. For example, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) estimated that undocumented immigrants paid approximately $96.

7 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022.itep.orgitep.orgTax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants This figure is corroborated by other reputable organizations such as the Tax Policy Center and Reuters fact-checking, which also cite similar tax contributions by undocumented immigrants.taxpolicycenter.orgtaxpolicycenter.orgYes, Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes—and Receive Few Tax Benefitsreuters.comreuters.comFact Check: Undocumented immigrants can and do pay taxes Undocumented immigrants often pay taxes through payroll deductions using Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITINs), sales taxes on purchases, property taxes indirectly through rent, and other local taxes.irs.govirs.govPay for personal services performed

The Internal Revenue Service explicitly states that foreign workers who are illegal aliens are subject to U.S. Taxes despite their status. While undocumented immigrants do not receive many tax benefits or credits available to citizens or legal residents, their tax payments are substantial and documented.

Therefore, the assertion that they do not pay taxes is demonstrably false based on multiple independent and credible sources.

Primary trail

Verified Sources5

Tax Payments by Undocumented Immigrants

itep.org
Open source

Yes, Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes—and Receive Few Tax Benefits

taxpolicycenter.org
Open source

Fact Check: Undocumented immigrants can and do pay taxes

reuters.com
Open source
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