Innocent Spouse Claim

When you file a joint income tax return, the law makes both you and your spouse responsible for the entire tax liability. In some cases, a spouse (or former spouse) will be relieved of the tax, interest and penalties on a joint tax return. Three types of relief are available to married persons who filed joint returns -- innocent spouse relief, separation of liability relief and equitable relief.

You must meet all of the following conditions to qualify for innocent spouse relief:

1. You filed a joint return.
2. There is an understated tax on the return that is due to erroneous items of your former spouse.
3. You can show that when you signed the joint return you did not know, and had no reason to know, that the understated tax existed (or the extent to which the understated tax existed).
4. Taking into account all the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold you liable for the understated tax.

Erroneous items are underreported income or overstated deductions and credits. This requires that the additional tax the IRS is trying to collect from you came about from a subsequent change by the IRS. If the amount the IRS is trying to collect from you is from an original return balance due (an underpaid tax), then innocent spouse relief does not apply to you. Similarly, separation of liability only is available for an understated tax.

Equitable relief applies for an underpaid tax. One example is taxes paid with a hot check. IRS Publication 971 discusses equitable relief and the conditions that must be met for it to apply. You should review this section prior to completing Form 8857 to request relief. You should file Form 8857 within two years of becoming aware of the unpaid taxes.

While it is best to always have a professional represent you, Tax Network USA. recommends that you familiarize yourself with the law so that you can provide relevant information to the IRS. If you can't afford a professional, then by all means you should still attempt the process yourself. The worst that can happen is that the IRS denies your claim and you're still left owing what they're trying to collect now.

To ensure compliance with requirements imposed by the IRS, we inform you that any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication (including any attachments) is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.

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If you have been contacted by the IRS or your state's Department of Taxation, or have received tax liens, levies or notices of IRS intention to do so, contact us at 888-466-4706 or fill out our online form without delay for a free confidential initial tax consultation.