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. Peter Kici, EA, helps Central Florida taxpayers make that case.
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. We 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
My ex was supposed to pay per the divorce decree. Does that protect me?
Not with the IRS. A divorce decree binds your ex, not the IRS. Innocent Spouse Relief is the IRS side remedy.
How far back can I request relief?
Timing rules vary by the type of relief. We review the dates in your case.
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.