Innocent Spouse Relief

If you are married and you filed your income tax statement jointly, there are certain instances where filing a joint tax return may give rise to problems. This is because the filing of a joint tax return means that both individuals are responsible individually and jointly for any taxes owed and/or any penalties, even if one spouse made the majority of the taxable income. If one spouse owes taxes, then each is individually and jointly responsible. There are exceptions, which allow you to file for innocent spouse relief. If you did not know or did not have reason to know that your spouse filed an erroneous item on the tax return, you may request innocent spouse relief. This relieves you of any responsibility due to your spouse’s failure to report or improper report of items on the tax return. There are three ways to qualify for an innocent spouse relief. One way to qualify for the relief arises when one spouse files an understatement