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Money, housing & taxes
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Money and credit
Update your Social Security record after you become a citizen
Social Security keeps your citizenship status on file. Keeping it current helps you avoid delays with work and benefits. You update it by requesting a replacement card.
- Read Social Security's page on updating citizenship status.
- Bring proof of identity and your new status to the appointment.
Open a bank or credit union account
An account is a safe place for your money and can cost less than check-cashing services. The CFPB explains how to choose one and avoid fees.
- Compare accounts using the CFPB's tips.
- Ask about monthly fees, minimum balances, and overdraft fees before you open one.
- Use the FDIC's Consumer Resource Center to learn about deposit insurance.
Build and check your credit
Lenders, landlords, and some employers look at credit reports. You can get free reports from AnnualCreditReport.com — the site the FTC identifies as authorized by federal law. It is not a government website.
- Request your free credit reports and check them for mistakes.
- Pay bills on time and keep balances low.
- Read the CFPB's guide to credit reports and scores.
Avoid high-cost loans and scams
Payday loans and similar short-term loans can cost a lot. Be wary of anyone who asks for money up front to fix your credit or guarantee a loan.
- Read the CFPB's payday loan page before you borrow.
- Report scams to the FTC.
CFPB: Payday loans(opens consumerfinance.gov in a new tab)FTC: Consumer advice(opens consumer.ftc.gov in a new tab)Report fraud to the FTC (ReportFraud.ftc.gov)(opens reportfraud.ftc.gov in a new tab)Stay Safe guide
Housing
Rent a home and find rent help
USA.gov and the CFPB list help for renters, including programs that may help pay rent and utility bills. HUD explains fair housing rights.
- See USA.gov's housing help and the CFPB's rent help page.
- Read the lease before you sign, and keep copies of payments.
Get ready to buy a home
The CFPB walks you through each step of buying a home. HUD-approved housing counselors can help you plan.
- Use the CFPB's Buying a House guide.
- Find a HUD-approved housing counselor.
CFPB: Buying a house(opens consumerfinance.gov in a new tab)HUD: Find a housing counselor(opens answers.hud.gov in a new tab)Veterans: VA-backed home loans
Taxes
File your taxes
The IRS explains who needs to file and how. Free filing help exists through IRS Free File and IRS-sponsored volunteer programs for qualifying taxpayers.
- Start on the IRS individual tax filing page.
- Check whether you can use IRS Free File or free volunteer tax help.
Learn about common tax credits
Credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit can lower your taxes or increase your refund. The IRS decides who qualifies.
- Read the IRS pages for each credit, including their eligibility tools.
Protect yourself at tax time
An IRS online account lets you see your tax information directly. An Identity Protection PIN helps stop someone else from filing in your name. Choose a tax preparer carefully.
- Create an IRS online account.
- Get an Identity Protection PIN.
- Read the IRS tips on choosing a tax professional and spotting tax scams.