The situation
Years after her divorce, Angela in Arizona received an IRS bill for about $38,000. It stemmed from income her ex-husband had earned and never disclosed on their joint return — income she knew nothing about. Because joint filers are normally jointly and severally liable, the IRS was pursuing her for the entire amount.
What we did
- We gathered the facts: what she knew, who controlled the finances, and whether she benefited from the unreported income.
- We confirmed the request fell within the time limits for relief.
- We prepared an Innocent Spouse Relief request showing she neither knew nor had reason to know of the understatement.
- We documented that holding her liable would be unfair given the circumstances of the marriage and divorce.
The outcome
The IRS granted relief and removed the liability from Angela, shifting it away from her entirely. A debt she never created and never benefited from no longer hangs over her finances or her credit.
A divorce decree does not bind the IRS
Even if a decree says your ex owes the tax, the IRS is not bound by it. Relief must be requested directly through the Innocent Spouse process.
Stuck with a spouse’s tax debt? You may not have to be.
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About these stories
Illustrative client scenarios based on common case types. Individual results vary. These scenarios are composites drawn from common case types we handle at US Certified Tax Services; they are not specific named clients and are provided for illustration only. Outcomes depend on your individual facts and IRS determinations. For a review of your situation, request a free consultation.