A Joint Return Can Make You Liable for a Debt You Did Not Create
When you file a joint return, the IRS can hold both spouses responsible for the entire tax debt, even if one spouse caused it and the other had no idea. If you are being pursued for taxes that came from your spouse or former spouse, Innocent Spouse Relief may take you off the hook. Tax Debt Relief Group helps Central Florida taxpayers make that case; we specialize in innocent spouse relief in Orlando, FL!
Call or text (407) 531-8705 for a free, confidential consultation
When Innocent Spouse Relief Applies
You may qualify if the debt came from your spouse underreporting income or claiming improper deductions, and you did not know and had no reason to know when you signed the return. There are related forms of relief too, including separation of liability and equitable relief.
Innocent Spouse and Injured Spouse Are Not the Same Thing
People mix these up constantly. Innocent Spouse Relief is about not being responsible for a joint debt your spouse caused. Injured Spouse is about protecting your share of a refund that was taken for your spouse separate debt. We make sure you file for the right one.
This Is Sensitive, and We Treat It That Way
These cases often involve divorce, separation, or a spouse who hid financial problems. Our experts handle them discreetly and build the request around the facts and documentation the IRS actually weighs, including your knowledge, your involvement in the finances, and basic fairness.
How We Handle Your Case
- Free, confidential consultation about the return and the debt.
- We determine which relief fits, whether that is innocent spouse, separation of liability, or equitable relief.
- We prepare and submit the request with supporting facts.
- We deal with the IRS and pursue appeal rights if needed.
Questions People Ask About Innocent Spouse Relief
Who handles innocent spouse relief requests in Orlando?
Peter Kici, EA, an IRS Enrolled Agent in Central Florida, prepares and presents innocent spouse relief requests for Orlando-area taxpayers. He takes over the IRS contact so the IRS deals with him. Call (407) 531-8705 for a free, confidential consultation.
Does a divorce end responsibility for taxes on a joint return?
No. The IRS states that when spouses file jointly, both are responsible for the tax, interest and penalties, even after a divorce, even if a divorce decree makes the other spouse responsible, and even if the other spouse earned all of the income. Relief is a separate request to the IRS. Peter reviews the notice and the years involved in a free consultation.
What types of relief does the IRS consider?
Innocent spouse relief, separation of liability relief (for spouses who are divorced, separated or no longer living together), and equitable relief when it would be unfair to hold one spouse responsible. The IRS reviews the request under all three as they apply (Form 8857). Peter prepares that request and presents the facts.
Is there a deadline?
The IRS says an innocent spouse relief request must be made within 2 years of receiving an IRS notice of an audit or taxes due because of an error on the return. For separation of liability relief, the law sets the same 2-year limit, counted from the date the IRS began collection activities against the person asking (IRC 6015(c)(3)(B)). Equitable relief runs on a different clock: the request must be made before the collection period for the unpaid tax expires (IRC 6015(f)(2)). If you have an IRS notice, call before the date passes.
Can knowing about the error disqualify a spouse?
Yes. The IRS will not grant relief if the spouse had actual knowledge of the error or a reasonable person in the same circumstances would have known. The IRS makes an exception for victims of domestic abuse who signed under pressure or fear. Peter goes through the facts of each case in a confidential call.
How long does the IRS take to decide?
The IRS says it may take up to 6 months or longer. The IRS contacts the other spouse or former spouse to ask whether they want to participate. Either spouse generally has 30 days from the determination letter to appeal. Peter handles the appeal for clients he represents.
Do I have to face my ex-spouse in this process?
The request is between you and the IRS. We manage the IRS side for you.
What if relief is denied?
There are appeal rights, and other resolution paths remain open. See all resolution options.
Do you serve my area?
Yes. The practice is based in Central Florida and serves Orlando and the surrounding communities, plus taxpayers in all 50 states by phone and video.
Talk to an Enrolled Agent in Orlando, Not a Call Center
You will work directly with Peter Kici, EA, an IRS Enrolled Agent based here in Central Florida. No 1-800 sales floor, no handoffs.
Call or text (407) 531-8705 for a free, no-pressure consultation, or book your free consultation online. Not ready to call? Get the free book first and see your options in plain English.