Frequently asked questions
Quick answers across citizenship, taxes, refunds, ESTA, passports, and immigration topics.
How many questions are on the US citizenship civics test?
The officer asks up to 10 questions drawn from a bank of 100 civics questions. You must answer 6 out of 10 correctly to pass. We have all 100 with answers in our practice hub.
What is the maximum Earned Income Credit for 2026?
For tax year 2026, the maximum EITC is $8,231 for workers with three or more qualifying children, $7,316 for two, $4,427 for one, and $664 with no qualifying children. Income limits apply — see our EITC 2026 guide and estimator.
Where do I check my federal tax refund status?
Use the IRS 'Where's My Refund' tool at irs.gov with your Social Security number, filing status, and exact refund amount. Check 24 hours after e-filing; the tool updates once daily.
How long does a New Jersey tax refund take?
Timelines vary by filing season. E-filed returns process faster than paper ones. If about 12 weeks pass with no update, contact the NJ Division of Taxation. See our NJ refund status guide for what each status message means.
How long does a New York State tax refund take?
Most straightforward e-filed NY refunds go out within weeks, but reviews and paper returns take longer. If 8–12 weeks pass with no movement, contact the NYS Tax Department.
Is ESTA a visa?
No. ESTA is a travel authorization under the Visa Waiver Program for short visits (90 days max) by citizens of participating countries. It is not a visa, and approval doesn't guarantee entry — a CBP officer decides at the border.
How do I apply for ESTA?
Apply only at esta.cbp.dhs.gov, the official U.S. government site. You'll need your passport details and a payment card. Apply at least 72 hours before travel.
Can I renew my US passport online?
The State Department has been expanding online renewal for eligible adults. Check current eligibility at travel.state.gov — otherwise renew by mail with Form DS-82.
What is the Trump Gold Card visa?
A residency-by-investment program announced in 2025, described with $1M (individual) and $2M (corporate) price points plus a $15,000 processing fee. It is an evolving story — confirm all details on official government sites before acting.
What happens if I can't pay my IRS tax bill?
Don't ignore it. Options include a short-term payment plan (up to ~180 days), a long-term installment agreement, or — if paying in full would cause hardship — an Offer in Compromise. See our IRS payment plan guide.
Is this website part of the U.S. government?
No. US Civic Guide is an independent informational website. We are not affiliated with the U.S. government, the IRS, USCIS, or the Department of State, and we can't file anything or check personal case statuses for you.
Why do some pages say [VERIFY]?
Because we'd rather flag uncertainty than guess. [VERIFY] marks facts that change often (fees, processing times, officeholders) or fast-moving stories — always confirm those on the official site linked from the page.