Party To Pay Does Not Affect The Standing Of The Other Party?
Q: My friend made a big tax mistake about two years ago when she was married (filing jointly w/her husband) and ended up with a tax debt around $6000 for which she is currently paying. They have since divorced, and he has already demonstrated his lack of responsibility paying on this debt. As a result, although he is the primary filer, she has been paying the payments for fear that the IRS will come after her. Is there any way to split this debt up so that the failure of one party to pay does not affect the standing of the other party? Being divorced, both are now filing separately, of course. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
A: it depends on a whole host of factors including who made the money and whether or not one or both of them failed to pay the proper tax liability. It is impossible to answer the question without first examining the return. Under new rules, your friend MAY have a way out, but it's the particular circumstances that determine the options. Steven H. Kassel, EA In 1997, I testified on Capitol Hill before The National Commission on Restructuring the IRS. For tax help, visit us at http://www.irstaxes.com