WHAT IS INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF?
The IRS has a special program called Innocent Spouse Relief that helps people who filed a joint tax return but didn't know about mistakes or unpaid taxes that their spouse or ex-spouse made. If the IRS agrees, you won't have to pay the tax, penalties, and sometimes interest that comes with those mistakes.
WHEN DOES IT APPLY?
This relief applies when you truly did not know there was a problem. For example, if your spouse hid income, claimed false deductions, or failed to report money they earned—and you signed the return without knowing— it may qualify.
THE IRS LOOKS AT WHAT A REASONABLE PERSON IN YOUR SITUATION WOULD HAVE KNOWN.
WHO CAN REQUEST IT?
• YOU FILED A JOINT TAX RETURN.
• THE TAX ISSUE WAS CAUSED BY YOUR SPOUSE OR EX-SPOUSE.
• YOU DID NOT KNOW ABOUT THE INCORRECT INFORMATION.
• IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO HOLD YOU RESPONSIBLE.
• YOU CAN APPLY EVEN IF YOU ARE DIVORCED, SEPARATED, OR WIDOWED.
TYPES OF RELIEF
INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF –REMOVES TAX TIED TO THE SPOUSE’S MISTAKE.
SEPARATION OF LIABILITY RELIEF – SPLITS THE TAX ONLY TO WHAT YOU OWE.
EQUITABLE RELIEF – LAST OPTION IF THE OTHER TWO DO NOT QUALIFY.
BENEFITS AND NEXT STEPS
If approved, you may no longer owe the tax debt linked to your spouse’s actions. This can protect your paycheck, bank account, and future refunds from IRS collections. If you think you qualify, gather documents, submit Form 8857, and follow up with the IRS or a tax professional for guidance.
