Get Tax Relief For SpousesInternal Revenue Service

The non-liable spouse's share of a tax refund may be withheld and require filing of a request for injured spouse relief. Some joint assets such as joint bank accounts can be reached by the IRS, and in the case of bank accounts they can seize the entire account (because either spouse can access the entire balance).

If you filed married filing jointly, the IRS can garnish your wages from your spouse's tax debt on that return. The IRS can actually garnish both of your wages in this situation.

Because a joint return was involved, your spouse is responsible for that old debt. If your spouse or their ex doesn't pay, the IRS may take involuntary collection actions against your spouse. This can include wage garnishments, bank account levies, and asset seizures.

Innocent spouse relief can relieve you from paying additional taxes if your spouse understated taxes due on your joint tax return and you didn't know about the errors. Innocent spouse relief is only for taxes due on your spouse's income from employment or self-employment.

When you file a California joint tax return, both taxpayers are responsible for paying any taxes, penalties, and interest. In some cases, a spouse or registered domestic partner (RDP) may get relief from paying all or part of what is owed.

If you file jointly and your spouse has a debt (this can be a federal, state income tax, child support, or spousal support debt) the IRS can apply your refund to one of these debts, which is known as an “offset.” The agency can also take a collection action against you for the tax debt you and your spouse owe, such as ...

Under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) §6013(d)(3), spouses who file joint income tax returns are subject to joint and several liability for the income tax reported on those returns. In other words, the IRS will hold each spouse responsible for the entire amount of tax due.

Innocent spouse relief can relieve you from paying additional taxes if your spouse understated taxes due on your joint tax return and you didn't know about the errors. Innocent spouse relief is only for taxes due on your spouse's income from employment or self-employment.