Innocent Spouse Relief
Married couples often choose to file joint tax returns because of the many benefits offered by the IRS. However, when filing a married filing joint return, the IRS typically considers each taxpayer equally responsible for paying the taxes that are owed, including any penalties or interest that may accrue as a result of a failure to file or failure to pay.
Whether you are estranged, separated, or divorced from your spouse, or you were unaware of fraudulent activities that they may have engaged in, you may be able to receive Innocent Spousal Relief by the IRS. It isn’t fair for one spouse to be punished financially for the other’s actions, so it’s important to understand the process of obtaining this relief and how you might qualify.
Whether you are estranged, separated, or divorced from your spouse, or you were unaware of fraudulent activities that they may have engaged in, you may be able to receive Innocent Spousal Relief by the IRS. It isn’t fair for one spouse to be punished financially for the other’s actions, so it’s important to understand the process of obtaining this relief and how you might qualify.
To schedule a free case evaluation, call (844) STOP-IRS now.
What Is Innocent Spouse Relief?
Innocent spouse relief is a unique provision within U.S. tax law that allows for full tax forgiveness to those who qualify. The purpose of this relief is to allow a husband or wife financial protection from tax implications caused by his or her spouse. In situations such as divorce or spousal abuse, this relief protects the individual from paying additional taxes, penalties, and interest that may have been incurred as a result of their spouse’s mistakes or deception.
Do You Qualify for Innocent Spouse Tax Relief?
When applying for innocent spouse relief, one of the best factors to show the IRS is that your spouse acted without your knowledge or consent. Additionally, a person seeking this relief may show that their spouse did one of the following:
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They failed to report taxable income.
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They reported income but did not report the full amount.
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They fraudulently claimed credits or tax deductions in order to reduce their tax debt.
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All or most of the tax debt was created by the spouse’s activities.