IRS Innocent Spouse Tax Relief

When you file a joint return with your spouse, both of you are fully responsible for the taxes.  For example, if $20,000 is owed for a joint tax return.  Your spouse and you owe the IRS $20,000.

You are now separated.  Your ex-spouse caused the tax problem.  You do not believe you should owe the taxes. What do you do now?  IRS Innocent Spouse Relief may be your solution.

IRS Innocent Spouse Tax Relief – 3 Types

There are three different types of IRS Innocent Spouse Tax Relief.

1)  Innocent Spouse Relief – Your spouse failed to report income or took too many write-offs.  As a result, the IRS charged additional taxes.  You may qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief if you had no idea your spouse did not prepare the tax return correctly.

2)  Separation of Liability Relief – Your spouse failed to report income or took to many write-offs.  As a result, the IRS charged additional taxes.  You did know your spouse made some errors on the tax return.  You may qualify for Separation of Liability Relief if you are widowed, legally separated or not living together for at least 1 year.

3)  Equitable Relief – You do not qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief or Separation of Liability Relief.  You may still qualify for Equitable Relief under certain circumstances.

Innocent Spouse Relief – Type 1 Explained

You qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief if your spouse made an error on the tax return and you did not know it.  It would be unfair to make you responsible for the taxes.

The IRS will review the two aspects of the innocent spouse relief, “you did not know it” and “it would be unfair.”

Aspect 1 – “you did not know it,” The IRS will determine if you actually knew of the errors or you should have known.

Aspect 2 – “it would be unfair” – The IRS will review the following:

• Did you benefit from the mistake made by your spouse?
• Did your spouse leave you?
• Did you separate from your spouse?
• Will you suffer financially?
• Did your spouse abuse you?

Separation of Liability – Type 2 Explained

You may qualify for Separation of Liability relief if your spouse made an error on the tax return, you did know it, and you are separated with your spouse.  The following are considered separated from your spouse:

• Divorce
• Widowed
• Legally separated
• Lived apart for longer than 1 year

For this type of tax relief, the IRS will separate the taxes.  You will be responsible for only your portion.  If you paid your taxes or did not work, then you may be able to remove all taxes.

Equitable Relief – Type 3 Explained

You do not qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief or Separation of Liability.  However, it is unfair that you owe the taxes.  To show “unfairness” the IRS will review the following:

• Are you separated or is your spouse temporarily gone due to illness, imprisonment, military, or business?
• Would you suffer financially?
• As part of the divorce, did your spouse agree to pay all the taxes?
• Did you benefit from not paying the taxes?
• Did you pay your own taxes?
• Did you know about the mistakes?
• Did your spouse abuse you?
• Were you in poor mental or physical health when the tax return was signed?

NOTE:  IRS Innocent Spouse Tax Relief is different than IRS Injured Spouse Tax Relief.  IRS Injured Spouse Tax Relief is requested when your spouse owes the taxes but you do not.

What’s next?

Every tax case is different, but EVERY case has a solution. We can help you figure out the best program to settle your tax debt, click below for a free consultation with a professional that can guide you to the correct solution.

The IRS will not forget about you or your tax debt, it will only increase the pressure to collect!  There are multiple programs that can help you pay the Trust Fund Penalty, and even programs to reduce your tax debt: like Offer In Compromise or penalty abatement.