“Getting rid of joint tax debt from an ex-spouse can be another difficult part of the process of separating or divorce. Luckily, the IRS has Innocent Spouse Relief programs that may be helping relief you from an underreporting or underpayment of tax with an ex. ”
- Alyssa Maloof Whatley
Pro Tip:
Beware of complications.
Even if this feels like your situation, Innocent Spouse Relief can still be hard to come by from the IRS because the rules surrounding granting it are complicated and subjective. Before attempting to petition the IRS to open an innocent spouse investigation, speak to a qualified tax attorney about your specific situation and explore all your available options.
What Qualifies Me For Innocent Spouse Relief?
There are three types of innocent spouse relief available from the IRS:
Under each type of relief, there is a complicated set of broadly defined and subjective standards that need to be met to qualify. From not having “reason to know,” to domestic abuse, to future compliance are all considerations made during an innocent spouse investigation.
Though the investigation itself is facts-based, the interpretation of those facts is often up to the individual investigator. Each year, many apply for Innocent Spouse Relief and very few have their requests granted.
“As a CPA, I have worked closely with Alyssa to help with my clients' complicated tax issues. She is very honest, detailed, and responsive and will hold a client's hand until the issue is resolved and provide honest and clear advice along the way. I've seen her greatly reduce client's tax liabilities.”
“From the moment I started working with Alyssa, my distress & blood pressure decreased and my confidence increased that all of this would be okay! Super smart, very knowledgeable, and just delightful to work with. I'm so relieved and encouraged!”
“Alyssa and her team were fast, to the point and so professional with handling an issue I had with the IRS! She promised that the situation would be handled and in just a few short weeks she delivered on that promise. Thank you so much!”
“I find this attorney to be very honest and willing to assist her clients by guiding them in the right direction. I would recommend her to anyone that has a question on matters of her expertise. She is very knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with.”
“Alyssa is an amazing attorney! She is knowledgeable, efficient, and effective! Also, she is quick to respond, extremely pleasant, and very reassuring. We are so grateful for her expertise and help! Highly recommend!”
“Alyssa has helped me and my parents with an overwhelming tax issue. Something we never thought could be done. She's so kind, patient, thorough and knows tax law. I'd recommend her 100% to anyone when it comes to dealing with the IRS.”
“When I first spoke to Alyssa I was facing an IRS Audit for two years at the same time and felt extremely overwhelmed. Alyssa outlined a solid approach and was very easy to talk to and understand. My tax liabilities were brought down by 50%.”
“I was reluctant to reach out due to all the previous calls to other offices who where going to charge me more than what I owed on my taxes. I spoke with the Alyssa, she was very nice and it did not feel like a sales call. She helped me understand the type of letter I received and patient assisting me.”
“If you need legal assistance with your taxes, I strongly recommend Alyssa. Receiving a large tax notice from the IRS was very scary. Alyssa’s calm and level-headed demeanor helped ease my concerns. She responded quickly to my questions and knew just what to do.”
