Dear Ruth,
I hope this note finds you well. I wanted to write to you personally because I know how overwhelming financial uncertainty can be, especially when it comes to taxes and the unexpected burdens that sometimes arise in relationships. If you're reading this, it likely means you're facing a difficult situation perhaps one you never saw coming. Maybe you've discovered that your spouse, or soon-to-be ex-spouse, hasn’t been paying taxes for years. Maybe a notice from the IRS just landed in your mailbox, demanding payments for debts you didn't even know existed. Maybe you’re worried about what this all means for you, your credit, your future, your peace of mind.
If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that there are IRS provisions designed to address situations like this, and relief may be available depending on your circumstances. You may not have to bear the financial consequences of your spouse’s choices alone. The IRS has a process designed for situations just like this. It’s called Innocent Spouse Relief, and I’d like to walk you through what it is and how it works.
When a married couple files a joint tax return, both spouses are legally responsible for the entire tax bill even if one of them was unaware that taxes were owed. This is called joint and several liability, and it means that if the IRS comes looking for money, they can collect it from either spouse, regardless of who actually earned the income or made the mistake. However, the IRS recognizes that sometimes it would be unfair to hold one spouse responsible for the other’s tax misdeeds. That’s where Innocent Spouse Relief comes in. Under qualifying circumstances, this process may reduce or eliminate certain tax liabilities.
To be eligible, you generally need to meet three key criteria. First, you must have filed a joint tax return with your spouse. Second, there must have been an error on the return, such as unreported income or an unpaid balance. Third, you must not have known about the issue at the time and must have had no reason to suspect that something was wrong. The IRS will also consider whether holding you responsible would be unfair particularly in cases where one spouse was financially controlling or concealed information from the other.
Many people worry that if they suspected something was wrong, they won’t qualify for relief, but the IRS looks at the full picture. If your spouse hid financial details from you, manipulated joint accounts, or convinced you everything was “fine,” you may still be eligible. Even if you knew about the debt but had no control over it or were pressured to sign the return without fully understanding it you might qualify for Equitable Relief, which is available for those who don’t meet the exact qualifications for Innocent Spouse Relief.
If you believe you might qualify, IRS Form 8857 is typically used to request relief. The first step is gathering your documents, including tax returns from the years in question, bank statements, proof of income, and any communication that supports your claim. Consulting a tax professional can help you navigate the process effectively. Be prepared for a waiting period, as the IRS will notify your spouse (or ex-spouse) and allow them to respond. This process can take several months, but during that time, the IRS may pause collection efforts against you.
Once your request is reviewed, the IRS will either grant full relief, meaning you owe nothing; grant partial relief, meaning you are responsible for only a portion of the debt; or deny relief altogether, meaning you remain liable. If your request is denied, you do have the right to appeal, which is why having the right documentation upfront is so important.
If your financial situation feels overwhelming, please don’t try to navigate this alone. IRS rules can be complex, and mistakes in the application process could lead to delays or denials. A tax professional or financial advisor can help you assess whether you might qualify for relief and guide you in understanding your options.
I know that financial matters can feel deeply personal, and I also know that navigating something like this especially in the middle of an already difficult life transition can be exhausting. But you don’t have to do it alone. If you’d like to talk through your specific situation, I’m here to listen. Whether that means reviewing your circumstances together, helping you weigh your options, or simply offering a clear next step, my goal is to give you peace of mind in what feels like a chaotic situation.
You deserve financial clarity, fairness, and protection. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Sincerely Yours,
Campus Financial Partners
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, legal, or investment advice. Campus Financial Partners does not provide advanced tax preparation services. Consult a qualified tax professional before making financial decisions. Investing involves risks, and past performance does not guarantee future results.