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Innocent Spouse Tax Relief Granted to Ex-Spouse by Court

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Matthew R. Porter
Principal Attorney
June 3, 2022

United States Tax Court Logo A recent Tax Court Memo Decision held that an ex-spouse was entitled to innocent spouse tax relief from joint and several liability under Internal Revenue Code Sec. 6015(f). She satisfied the various threshold requirements and streamlined relief elements (per Rev. Proc. 2013-34).

Contact us if you have questions about obtaining relief from joint and several liability under the IRS’ innocent spouse relief provisions.

A recent Tax Court Memo Decision held that an ex-spouse was entitled to innocent spouse tax relief from joint and several liability under Internal Revenue Code Sec. 6015(f). She satisfied the various threshold requirements and streamlined relief elements (per Rev. Proc. 2013-34).

Contact us if you have questions about obtaining relief from joint and several liability under the IRS’ innocent spouse relief provisions.

Innocent Spouse Relief and the Tax Court

The IRS provides opportunities for ex-spouses to obtain relief from joint and several liability. This liability results from filing a joint tax return with an ex-spouse. Review our articles on the three ways to obtain innocent spouse tax relief.

In the Tax Court Memorandum, the requesting spouse sought review of a determination by the IRS Office of Appeals denying her 6015(f) relief and upholding a notice of intent to levy for the tax year at issue.

As it relates to the requirements under 6015(f), the evidence was clear that the requesting was no longer married to her former spouse as of the date of the IRS’ determination. She, therefore, satisfied the marital status requirements. In addition, there were several other favorable equitable relief elements present including economic hardship and abuse.

The requesting spouse could not liquidate her assets to make even a partial payment of the taxes due and still meet her reasonable basic living expenses. This hardship favored relief. The ex-spouse abused and physically intimidated her, which negated the knowledge element.

This was a win for the taxpayer who had been through the IRS collection and appeals process. This is a good case for determining whether you might be entitled to equitable relief under 6015(f).

IRS Innocent Spouse Relief Representation

Porter Law Office, LLC represents individuals and businesses with resolving outstanding tax liabilities, including obtaining relief of joint and several liability through innocent spouse relief claims.  If you believe that you qualify for innocent spouse relief, contact Columbus, Ohio tax lawyer Matthew R. Porter, J.D., LL.M. today for a free consultation to discuss your case.

About the author
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Matthew R. Porter, J.D., LL.M. (Tax)
Principal Attorney · Porter Law Office, LLC · Columbus, Ohio

Matt represents individuals and small businesses in federal and Ohio tax controversies. He holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Capital University Law School and has represented clients before the U.S. Tax Court, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, the Franklin County Board of Revision, and the Ohio Board of Tax Appeals. Rated AV Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell and Superb 10.0 by Avvo.

This article reflects general information as of publication and is not legal advice. Tax law changes frequently; verify any cited rule against current IRS or Ohio Department of Taxation guidance before acting. For advice on your specific situation, schedule a consultation.

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