Innocent Spouse? Getting the Tax Relief You Deserve

Divorce stinks especially if you have been encumbered with your ex’s tax bills and need innocent spouse relief. It happens. During a marriage couples typically file joint returns to get all the possible tax benefits of being a couple. But when the honeymoon is over and divorce lingers the tax mistakes of one spouse can become the problem of the other. Few understand that even though your divorce decree may state that one spouse assumes all tax liabilities, the IRS has the right to encumber the innocent spouse as well. And. you thought it was finally over!

Luckily, the IRS has come up with innocent spouse relief programs. Basically there are three ways an innocent spouse can get relief from the foibles of an ex who was a tax scofflaw. The first involves basic innocent spouse relief where if the innocent spouse fits into one of three categories they can be released from any tax liability brought on by their failed marriage. If the spouse doesn’t fit one or all of the criterion then there is the next level wherein the liability is separated between what the government feels is an equitable liability split between the two parties. The third program is called equitable relief which can be brought into play if the innocent spouse does not qualify for one of the above programs.

Whatever the case there is innocent spouse relief available if you qualify and in a lot of cases this is the norm. There is no reason for you to suffer the ways of your former mate. The IRS understands the situations of innocent spouses and has worked hard to not indemnify those who did not contribute to the tax liability in question. They have even made it fairly simple to file for innocent spouse relief and it is important to consider sending a letter in with the IRS form 8857 explaining in detail why you think you qualify for innocent spouse relief.

In general it is a good idea to consult a tax expert on all the nuances and available programs for innocent spouse relief in order to get the best possible result. The experts have dealt with these problems before and know best how to represent the rights is the innocent spouse. Because remember even though may not have been a party to the liability, the IRS will do anything to get money owed them.

Innocent Spouse
IRS Innocent Spouse Relief Info and Help