Innocent Spouse Relief — Stop Being Held Liable for Your Spouse's Taxes
If your spouse committed tax fraud or underreported income on a joint return, you can be held liable for the entire tax debt — even after divorce. Innocent Spouse Relief separates your liability from your spouse's.
How the IRS Handles This
The IRS holds both spouses jointly and severally liable for joint return debts. Form 8857 initiates a review process where the IRS evaluates whether to hold you separately liable.
DIY Steps to Resolve This
- 1
Determine which type of relief you qualify for: Traditional, Separation of Liability, or Equitable
- 2
Complete Form 8857 with supporting documentation
- 3
File within 2 years of the first IRS collection action
- 4
Request a collection hold while your case is under review
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The above is an overview. Our full guide includes IRS forms, template letters, phone scripts, and step-by-step procedures — everything you need to resolve this yourself.
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