The answer to whether you can get a passport if you owe taxes depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Generally speaking, if you owe back taxes to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), you may still be able to obtain one, but there are certain situations where your application may be denied or your current passport could be revoked. The IRS may inform the U.S. Department of State, which is responsible for issuing passports, if you owe a "seriously delinquent tax debt."