Innocent Spouse Tax Relief
If you’re an innocent spouse in Irvine, California, who is facing a heavy tax burden due to the actions of your spouse, Global Gate is here to help. Our team of experienced tax debt attorneys provides comprehensive tax collection appeals and tax relief solutions to help innocent spouses get back on their feet.
We understand that the burden of a joint tax debt can be overwhelming, especially when you weren’t involved in or aware of the activity that caused it. Our tax debt attorneys will work with you to understand the full scope of your situation and develop an effective strategy to reduce or eliminate your current tax debt. We’ve helped countless innocent spouses successfully navigate the IRS appeals process and secure the tax relief they need to move forward. We understand the complex legalities of the process and can offer personalized solutions that are tailored to your situation.
Don’t let your spouse’s actions leave you with an unfair burden. Contact Global Gate today to learn more about our tax debt attorney services in Irvine, California, and find out how we can help you get the tax relief you deserve.
What is Considered Innocent Spouse Tax Relief Circumstances?
In a situation where your former spouse or your spouse is being subjected to a tax levy or tax lien, you are likely going to be involved in the affair even if you know nothing about the tax owed. If you are involved in a tax affair because of the action of your spouse, you may be eligible for an Innocent Spouse Claim. As a taxpayer, if you are able to prove that you are eligible for this, then you are likely going to be relieved of any obligation for the tax debt. The following are some guidelines established by the IRS to determine who gets qualified relief from this program:
- If your spouse managed a separate business you do not know about
- If you did not benefit personally from the extra money which was as a result of the tax deficiency
- If you did not share a bank account and you did not have access to the money accrued from the activity
- In order to qualify for relief, you will need to file a claim; however, one of our tax resolution specialists can help you evaluate your qualification details and as well determine the type of relief you may qualify for.
To qualify for innocent spouse relief, you must meet certain criteria. You must have filed a joint return with your spouse, and the error must be attributable to the other person. You must also prove your innocence by showing that you had no knowledge of any underreported or incorrect information. Additionally, you must demonstrate that the circumstances are compelling and that you had no way of knowing the taxes were underreported or incorrect. Generally, you must also request innocent spouse relief no later than two years after the IRS started trying to collect the tax from you.
Filing for innocent spouse relief is not an automatic process. The IRS may deny your request, and the process can take up to six months. To learn more about the application process and the criteria you must meet, be sure to read IRS Publication 971.
How Do I File for Innocent Spouse Relief with the IRS?
To complete the process, you’ll need to include supporting documentation and answer all of the questions on Form 8857. If you don’t provide all of the information, the IRS may deny your request.
If you’ve already filed a joint return, you must meet certain criteria to qualify for innocent spouse relief. You must also have filed Form 8857 within two years of the IRS first attempting to collect the tax from you.
If you do qualify, you’ll get relief from the tax, interest and penalties related to the joint return, and you won’t be held responsible for any additional taxes on the return.
At Global Gate, we are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of the tax system. Our tax debt attorneys in Irvine, California, are here to help you file for innocent spouse relief and find the right solution for your tax situation. Contact us today to get started.
Types of Innocent Spouse Relief
There are three types of Innocent Spouse Relief: Equitable Relief, Separation of Liability Relief, and Relief by Reason of Community Property Law. The type of relief requested often depends upon the specifics of the case and the taxpayer’s individual situation.
- Equitable Relief is the most common type of Innocent Spouse Relief and is available when a taxpayer’s income tax return contains a substantial understatement of tax due to erroneous items of the other spouse. This type of relief is based on factors such as economic hardship, the lack of knowledge of the understatement, and other factors that the IRS may consider.
- Separation of Liability Relief is available when taxpayers who have filed joint tax returns can prove that the understatement of tax is solely the responsibility of the other spouse. This type of relief is not based on the economic hardship of the taxpayer.
- Finally, Relief by Reason of Community Property Law is available for taxpayers who live in a community property state. This type of relief only applies when the underpayment of taxes is the responsibility of the other spouse.
If you are facing an IRS tax debt, a tax debt attorney at Global Gate can help you understand your options and determine which type of Innocent Spouse Relief is best for your situation. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and provide you with tax relief solutions that will help you get back on the right track.
Schedule a Consultation
Do you need help filing for innocent spouse relief with the IRS? At Global Gate in Irvine, California, our team of experienced tax debt attorneys can help you understand your rights and provide assistance in filing for innocent spouse relief. We can provide guidance on how to complete the IRS Form 8857 and assist you in gathering the necessary documentation for your claim. Our team can also help you understand any exemptions and prepare a solid defense for the tax, interest and penalties that may not qualify for innocent spouse relief.
Our experienced tax debt attorneys can also provide assistance in appealing IRS collections and provide tax relief solutions for those who qualify. We can help you understand the laws and regulations surrounding innocent spouse relief and provide legal counsel on the best course of action.
If you need help filing for innocent spouse relief with the IRS, contact Global Gate. Our experienced team of tax debt attorneys can provide the assistance you need.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are dealing with an IRS audit, it’s essential to have an experienced team on your side. At Global Gate, we provide individuals throughout Irvine, California, with expert tax audit services. Contact us today, and we’ll get you started with a free consultation.