A majority of married couples jointly file their taxes for the many benefits this filing status provides. However, most people don’t realize that when you file jointly, both taxpayers are equally liable for the tax, interest or penalties that arise from the joint tax return, even if they later divorce. That means even if one spouse earned all of the income or claimed improper deductions or credits, the other spouse is still held responsible.
ClienTax understands that combining finances and marriage is difficult. It’s unfortunate when a spouse misrepresents their tax situation. Usually unintentionally, this misrepresentation causes a tax debt and severe consequences for both spouses. The debt could have occurred due to not reporting income, misrepresentation of key facts, underreporting, or underpaying.
If you are currently in this situation, take a deep breath, it’s going to be okay. ClienTax can help you out of the difficult situation you are in. If there was a misrepresentation on your joint tax return that you were unaware of, you may be eligible for relief through the IRS’ Innocent Spouse Program.
We will admit that there are a lot of strict conditions you must prove and meet to verify to the IRS that you should qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief. This is not a battle we recommend fighting on your own.
Contact ClienTax to find out if you are eligible for Innocent Spouse Relief. We can assist you in prequalification, preparing the Form 8857, and completing appropriate letters and appeals.
