Can one have a top secret clearance and owe taxes?
I don’t think so.
They could if the tax lien was after filed the background check was conducted.
Yes.
i did. but i also paid them.
Usually comes up during an investigation to either grant or renew the clearance - not always a show stopper if one has a plan/agreement with ones owed.
If they think the main workers are a threat, they should see some of the politicians, up to and including the president, who are a threat....