Innocent Spouse

What are the common problems that arise with Innocent Spouse claims?

Innocent spouse relief is intended to alleviate the tax liability for spouses who have been victimized with tax liability during their marriages. With innocent spouse claims, the IRS tries to determine if the requesting spouse should be liable for the joint tax obligations with the other spouse. Traditionally, the innocent spouse relief was designed to assist spouses who were unaware of the unreported income and did not benefit from that unreported income. Recently, innocent spouse claims have been extended to spouses who are victims of a myriad of marriage maladies. The problems with innocent spouse claims is that reasons for a successful innocent spouse claim are usually not stated in a proper way that the IRS can act upon. The IRS TaxMasters Resolution System can assist in guiding innocent spouses to successful resolution.

What are typical grounds for Innocent Spouse relief?

Generally, the typical grounds upon which innocent spouse relief can be granted are those of mental health problems, physical health problems, fraud assertions and abuse. Spouses who can assert the above maladies and support those maladies can generally obtain innocent spouse relief. The best evidence to support an innocent spouse claim is medical reports, police reports and insurance reports. However, assertions made in divorce filings can also be sufficient in achieving innocent spouse relief. Even written letters from friends and family may suffice as proof of the maladies that allow for innocent spouse relief.

Are there any special individual characteristics that allow for Innocent Spouse?

Yes. In many cases the IRS is looking for individuals who are truly victimized by their spouses. Lack of formal education, lack of involvement with the family's finances and lack of experience with tax and business affairs are all individual characteristics that can help a taxpayer achieve innocent spouse status. The IRS TaxMasters Resolution System can guide you through the various IRS standards that should afford an innocent spouse relief from the tax liability.