Innocent Spouse Relief: IRS

On occasion, one spouse is totally unaware or responsible for the improper actions of their marriage partner on tax matters.  If this unfortunate situation occurs to you, innocent spouse relief is possible.  To qualify: (1) You must have filed a joint return which has tax errors caused by your spouse, (2) You did not know when you signed the return that there was an understatement of tax and (3) It would be unfair to hold you liable for taxes taking into consideration all the facts and circumstances.

Innocent spouse relief can reduce all of the tax, interest and penalties of the items reported incorrectly.  You will be held responsible for joint liabilities that were reported correctly that generated a tax debt owed.  On these debts the IRS can collect from either spouse in whole or in part.

To file a claim for innocent spouse relief, you must submit IRS form 8857.  Professional assistance will help you to provide the facts and circumstances of your case in the most favorable light.  Claims submitted can take several months for the IRS to make a decision.

Scott Allen E.A.

Tax Debt Advisors, Inc.