Two different problems — two different kinds of relief.
When a married couple files a joint return, both spouses are generally held jointly and individually responsible for the full tax bill, even if only one spouse earned the income or made the error. The IRS recognizes that this isn't always fair, and offers two distinct forms of relief depending on the circumstances.
Innocent spouse relief can free you from responsibility for tax, interest, and penalties caused by your spouse's or former spouse's improperly reported items on a joint return — if you didn't know, and had no reason to know, about the error when you signed it.
Injured spouse relief is different: it applies when your share of a joint refund was applied to your spouse's separate past-due debt — such as back taxes, child support, or defaulted student loans — and helps you recover your portion of that refund.
How CCG helps
- Review your situation to determine which type of relief, if either, applies to you
- Prepare and file the required IRS claim with supporting documentation
- Communicate with the IRS on your behalf throughout the review process
- Keep you informed as the claim moves toward a determination
Don't assume it's too late
These claims have specific filing windows and documentation requirements, so it pays to have them reviewed by someone who works with this regularly. A complimentary consultation is the best way to find out where you stand.
A joint return shouldn't mean joint blame for a mistake you didn't make.