Escape The Debt Of Your Spouse - Innocent Spouse Relief

When does Joint and Several Liability open the door to the Innocent Spouse Relief program?

Joint and several liability for taxes owed is due to the Joint Return that is filed together by both spouses. In many instances, one spouse assumes responsibility for filing the return of the couple. In some cases, the filing spouse knowingly and willfully understates the couple's tax due. In such cases, where the non-filing spouse is unaware of the misstatements, he or she may have relief available as to the tax owed due to the misstatement on the return if certain conditions are met. Generally, both spouses are responsible for the accuracy of the joint return and payment of the tax liability regardless of which spouse completed the return.

Innocent spouse must not have known or had reason to know of the understatement.

Under IRS guidelines, the taxpayer knew or had reason to know of an understatement if taxpayer actually knew of the understatement or if a reasonable person in similar circumstances would have known of the understatement. The IRS will consider all facts and circumstances in determining whether a taxpayer had reason to know of the understatement. Taxpayer will also have to prove that considering the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold the taxpayer liable for the understatement of tax thus making this a pillar of joint tax liability defense strategies. These facts and circumstances are the responsibility of the spouse to prove; they can be identified and explained to the IRS with the help of a Tax Attorney.

What if I'm now divorced or legally separated from my spouse?

Both taxpayers are jointly and individually liable for the tax, interest or penalties due on the joint return even if they later divorce. IRM 4.11.34.2.6. This means that one spouse, even the spouse, can be held responsible for the payment of all the tax due from a previous marriage - even if the other spouse earned all of the income. However, a taxpayer can request Relief by Separation of Liability. In this case, the understatement of tax is separated between both spouses in the amount for which each spouse is responsible. In addition to being divorced or separated, the taxpayer and his/her spouse cannot have been members of the same household at any time during the 12-month period ending on the date a taxpayer files the request.

What if I can't get innocent spouse relief under the general relief or separate liability elections?

Equitable relief may be considered if the IRS has determined that the spouse does not qualify for innocent spouse relief or relief by separation of liability. Equitable relief adds another type of relief in addition to an understatement of tax: underpayment of tax. There are many conditions that must be satisfied in order to be considered for equitable relief. If all of the conditions are met and the taxpayer is eligible, the IRS will then consider the relevant factors in their determination. The conditions and factors must be proven by the spouse.

How can a tax attorney help assert Innocent Spouse Relief as a Defense?

Innocent Spouse Relief is only available under certain circumstances - not every spouse will qualify and those who do still have the hurdle of proving their case. Because the burden of proof is on the spouse, it is paramount that an experienced tax attorney assists in the process. Where a petition for Innocent Spouse Relief fails, there are other avenues that a tax attorney can take such as an appeal, equitable relief, and Tax Court Review.

The Tax Lawyer - William D Hartsock has been successfully assisting clients in cases of separation of joint and several liability since the mid 1980's. Mr. Hartsock offers free consultations with the full benefit of attorney client privilege. For more information visit: TheTaxLawyer.com/contact

The Tax Lawyer - William D. Hartsock Tax Attorney Inc. offers legal services to defend clients rights before the IRS, FTB and EDD, along with the accounting and book keeping services that are an integral part solidifying a case. Mr. Hartsock is also Chairman of the San Diego County Bar Association Pro Se Program, dedicating his time to helping people understand their situation, rights and options under the law. Visit http://thetaxlawyer.com/contact to schedule your free consultation.