Tax filers concerned IRS will share information with immigration enforcement authorities

ELGIN, Ill. (WLS) -- Wednesday is Tax Day. Filers can file for an extension, which allows tax filers until October 15 to file without penalties.

It was a busy day at the post office as people mailed out their returns. Tax filers need to request that the clerk give the return a special postmark with an April15 date, as most mail is now postmarked later at processing centers.

Meanwhile, there is fear among the immigrant community that filing a tax return could trigger deportation.

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Some immigrants are opting not to drop off taxes at all for fear of the IRS sharing their information with immigration officials.

The majority of taxpayers visiting post officer Wednesday likely had enclosed payments because they owe more than what was withheld. According to some studies, however, there may be fewer taxpayers participating this year because many undocumented immigrants who normally file tax returns have chosen not to this year.

"They're scared of immigration getting information and going to their properties or job sites going where their children are in school," tax professional Evelyn Vazquez said.

According to one study from Yale University, the IRS stands to lose up to $479 billion over the next decade as migration to the U.S. declines and deportations increase.

"Billions of dollars the government is not going to receive because of that," Elgin realtor Rafael Villagomez said.

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On the flipside, there are people who have overpaid into the system, but are not filing for their taxes.

"They'd rather forego that refund than risk being deported," attorney Vanessa Zamudio said.

Meanwhile, there are also changes in how the IRS distributes refunds. They are phasing out mailing checks in favor of direct deposit.

"The IRS did stop mailing checks so now we have to provide bank information," Vazquez said.

And that is one more element that can be a problem for some immigrants and others who don't have bank accounts.

"People not only are afraid to pay their taxes, people are afraid to leave their houses, and they do it because, you know, we have no other choice," Villagomez said.

There is actually a court injunction right now preventing the IRS with sharing information about most taxpayers with ICE. That lawsuit was filed by a Chicago attorney who is hoping for a final ruling soon.