How Innocent Spouse Relief Works

by | Aug 6, 2025

When you file a joint tax return, the IRS sees you and your spouse as equally responsible for any taxes owed—even if only one of you earned the income, made the financial decisions, or caused the tax issue. But what if your spouse (or ex-spouse) made a serious error, committed fraud, or hid income from both you and the IRS?

You may not have to suffer the consequences.

At M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC, we specialize in helping individuals escape unfair tax liabilities through programs like Innocent Spouse Relief. If you’re carrying the burden of a tax debt you didn’t cause, there may be a way out—and we can help you find it.

What Is Innocent Spouse Relief?

Innocent Spouse Relief is an IRS program that can remove your responsibility for taxes owed due to your spouse’s (or ex-spouse’s) actions. If granted, this relief can eliminate your liability for:

  • Underreported income

  • Incorrect deductions or credits

  • Tax debt caused by fraud or intentional concealment

This type of relief is especially valuable in situations involving divorce, financial manipulation, or abuse.

Who Qualifies for Innocent Spouse Relief?

You might qualify if:

✔ You filed a joint tax return with your spouse or ex-spouse.
✔ The tax problem was caused by their error, not yours.
✔ When signing the return, you did not know and had no reason to know that it was incorrect.
✔ Holding you responsible would be unfair, considering your situation—especially if there was abuse, deceit, or hardship involved.

There are also two additional forms of relief that may apply:

  • Separation of Liability Relief – Divides the debt between you and your ex-spouse if you’re divorced or legally separated.

  • Equitable Relief – A broader category for cases where traditional qualifications aren’t met, but it would still be unfair to hold you liable.

Example: How Innocent Spouse Relief Works

Imagine this scenario:

Lisa filed joint tax returns with her husband for several years. What she didn’t know was that he was hiding income from a side business. Years later, the IRS audited those returns and hit them with a massive tax bill.

By then, Lisa was divorced—and had no idea about the unreported income. With the help of M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC, she:

✔ Proved that she had no knowledge of the hidden income.
✔ Showed that her ex controlled the finances and kept her in the dark.
✔ Filed a timely and well-documented request for Innocent Spouse Relief.

The IRS granted her relief, erasing tens of thousands of dollars in taxes and penalties she never should have owed.

How M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC Can Help

Pursuing Innocent Spouse Relief is more than just filling out a form. It requires strong documentation, persuasive communication, and experience dealing with the IRS.

At M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC, we will:

✔ Analyze your situation to determine eligibility for all three types of relief
✔ Help collect evidence—bank statements, tax records, affidavits, and more
✔ Craft a compelling narrative that supports your claim
✔ Handle all IRS correspondence on your behalf
✔ Explore additional resolution strategies if needed

Take Back Control

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s mistakes. If you’re struggling under the weight of a tax debt caused by your spouse’s actions, Innocent Spouse Relief may be the answer.

Contact M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC today for a free consultation and find out if you qualify. Let us help you take the first step toward financial freedom.

Schedule an Appointment Below!

M.A. Rubin CPA, PLLC

Tel: 833-MA-Rubin (627-8246)

Email: Blog@RubinTaxRelief.com

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult with a qualified professional for specific advice regarding your business.

 

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