Divorce & Tax Debt - Making Sure Your Ex-Spouse Is Paying Their Share

Once upon a time you were in love...then that lovediscloses includes:
soured and now you're divorced or separated from· Any personal information about your ex: such
the person that the World used to revolve around foras where they live or their current phone number.
you. Worse still, before this union ended you had filed· Any information about your ex-spouses other
your tax return jointly and a little bundle of debt camedebts, their current job, or any information about their
from it. Now that you're divorced, and not reallyincome.
speaking to each other how do you know they'reThis can help give you peace of mind that the IRS is
paying their due on your joint IRS debt?harassing your ex just as much as they're harassing
It's not stalking...The IRS does allow limited informationyou.
disclosure for separated/ divorced couples who noYou want to get them...But what you really want to
longer live in the same house. You can send the IRS aknow is can you get out of the IRS debt and make
written request for information disclosure in regards toyour ex pay the whole darn thing.
the tax year from the joint filing. Some information canThere is a provision called Innocent Spouse where one
be disclosed and some can't.spouse can get out of an IRS debt even if the tax
What you can know...The following information can bereturn was filed jointly. As with anything else involving
disclosed about your ex-spouse and their currentthe IRS there are requirements that must be met to
collection status with the IRS:qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief.
· Whether the IRS has attempted actual· You must not have known about the extent
collection actions against your ex.of the debt when you signed the joint return.
· What amount, if any has been collected from· The debt must be primarily your ex's fault.
your ex.· You suffered abuse in the relationship.
· Their current collection status: such as beingUnder those conditions you can get an IRS debt
in an installment agreement, or being under a bank levy.waived for you and put the full responsibility on your
· The reason for any suspension in collectionex.
activity: such as currently non collectible status.Now you have the smoking gun...Use it!
What you can't know...Information that can not be