November 2025

When you file a joint tax return with your spouse, you’re both saying to the IRS: We’re in this together. That means both of you are jointly and severally liable for any tax owed—even if the unpaid balance, errors, or fraud were entirely your spouse’s doing.

It’s one of the most misunderstood and frightening parts of the tax code. Imagine finding out years later that your ex (or soon-to-be ex) underreported income or claimed fake deductions—and now the IRS wants to collect from you.

The good news? The tax law gives you a way out, known as Innocent Spouse Relief. This powerful but complex program can protect you from paying taxes, interest, and penalties caused by your spouse’s (or former spouse’s) wrongdoing. If you qualify, the IRS can legally remove your liability—freeing you from a tax mess you didn’t create.

Let’s unpack what it is, how it works, and how a tax resolution professional can help you navigate it successfully. And if you have any questions after reading this you can contact Westax Inc. by calling 941-893-1791 or by going to https://www.westaxinc.com/ .

What Is Innocent Spouse Relief?

Innocent Spouse Relief is part of IRC §6015, designed for people who filed joint returns but shouldn’t be held responsible for a spouse’s errors or fraud.

It comes in three forms:

Innocent Spouse Relief (§6015(b)) – You didn’t know, and had no reason to know, of an understatement on the joint return.

Separation of Liability Relief (§6015(c)) – You’re divorced, legally separated, or no longer living with your spouse, and want to separate your share of tax.

Equitable Relief (§6015(f)) – When the first two don’t fit, but fairness says you shouldn’t be held liable.

Each has unique requirements, but they all aim to prevent you from being punished for a spouse’s wrongdoing.

Why Joint Liability Can Be So Dangerous

The IRS doesn’t care who earned the income or made the mistake. When you file jointly, they can pursue 100% of the debt from either spouse.

If your spouse has:

Underreported income,

Claimed bogus deductions, or

Failed to pay self-employment or investment taxes

The IRS can levy your bank account, garnish wages, or seize refunds, even if you were completely unaware. That’s why Innocent Spouse Relief can be life-changing.

Who Qualifies?

To qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you generally must show that:

You filed a joint return with an understatement of tax due to your spouse’s erroneous items,

You didn’t know or have reason to know about it, and

It would be unfair to hold you liable.

For Separation of Liability Relief, you must be divorced, legally separated, widowed, or living apart for at least 12 months.

Equitable Relief covers cases where abuse, control, or other hardships make liability unfair. The IRS looks at:

Whether you were abused or coerced,

Whether you benefited from the unpaid tax, and

Whether you tried to fix the problem once discovered.

Every case is fact-specific, and documentation matters.

How to Apply

You request relief by filing Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief.
After filing, the IRS must notify your spouse or ex-spouse, giving them a chance to respond (though your address is kept private).

The review process can take six months to two years. If denied, you can appeal within 30 days or take your case to the U.S. Tax Court.

Common Real-Life Scenarios

Hidden Income: Your spouse ran a side business and didn’t report the income.

Fake Deductions: You didn’t know they made up business or charitable expenses.

Abuse or Coercion: You were pressured to sign the return under duress.

Divorce Surprise: You discover after separation that taxes weren’t paid years earlier.

In all these cases, Innocent Spouse Relief may wipe out the IRS debt or shift responsibility solely to your spouse.

Why Work With a Tax Resolution Professional

Filing Form 8857 isn’t as simple as sending paperwork—it’s a legal and strategic process. You must prove your lack of knowledge and fairness under IRS standards.

A qualified tax resolution expert can:

Identify which relief option fits best,

Build your case with evidence and statements,

Communicate with the IRS so you don’t have to, and

Protect you from collection actions while your case is pending.

If full relief isn’t possible, a professional can explore other options such as an Offer in Compromise or Currently Not Collectible status.

The Bottom Line

No one should pay for someone else’s tax mistakes—especially if you were deceived or kept in the dark. Innocent Spouse Relief exists to restore fairness and give you a fresh start.

If you’ve received IRS notices tied to your spouse’s tax debt or divorce, don’t ignore them. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to fix—and there are strict time limits for requesting relief.

Need Help?

If you believe you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, or you’re unsure how to respond to an IRS letter, we can help.

Our firm specializes in tax resolution and IRS representation, guiding clients through Innocent Spouse, Offer in Compromise, and other relief programs every day.

We’ll review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your financial future. Contact Westax Inc at https://www.westaxinc.com/ or call 941-893-1791 to schedule a consultation with an experienced tax resolution specialist.

You don’t have to face the IRS—or your spouse’s tax problems—alone.

#taxes #taxproblems #irs #irsproblems

Tax Resolution Tips for Gig Workers and Independent Contractors

The gig economy has exploded. Millions now earn income by driving for Uber, delivering for Instacart, freelancing, or consulting. Flexibility is great, but when tax season hits, that freedom can cost you.

Unlike W-2 employees, gig workers don’t have taxes withheld. You’re responsible for paying income and self-employment tax (15.3%) through quarterly estimated payments. Many find out too late they owe thousands, and that’s when IRS problems begin.

If you’ve fallen behind on filings or payments, you’re not alone. The good news? There are proven tax resolution strategies that can help you catch up and even reduce what you owe. If after reading this, you need further assistance you can contact Westax Inc, by calling 941-893-1791or go to https://www.westaxinc.com/ !

Why Gig Workers Get Into Tax Trouble

When you work for yourself, you’re both employer and employee—responsible for income and self-employment taxes. That’s over $1,500 for every $10,000 earned.

Most gig platforms don’t withhold anything, so unless you set money aside or make quarterly payments, your tax bill grows fast.

Common causes of tax trouble:

Skipping quarterly estimates.

Ignoring income from multiple apps.

Mixing business and personal expenses.

Missing deductions.

Letting one unpaid year snowball into several.

Penalties and interest compound quickly, turning a manageable balance into a major IRS problem.

First Step: File Your Returns (Even If You Can’t Pay Yet)

The biggest mistake independent contractors make is ignoring unfiled returns because they can’t pay. But the IRS won’t even talk to you about resolving your debt until you’re compliant.

This golden rule of tax resolution is you can’t fix what you haven’t filed. Filing your returns shows the IRS you’re trying to make things right. It also stops certain penalties from growing and starts the clock on the collection statute expiration date (CSED), the 10-year period the IRS has to collect.

Even if you’re missing 1099s or bank records, a tax resolution specialist can reconstruct your income using IRS wage and income transcripts or bank statements. The key is to get compliant first, then work on a payment or settlement plan.

Keep Accurate Records of Income and Expenses

Gig income is taxable whether you receive a Form 1099 or not. Many platforms issue 1099-NEC or 1099-K forms, but some don’t. You’re required to report all earnings, including cash tips or direct payments from clients.

At the same time, gig workers are entitled to valuable deductions that can dramatically reduce taxable income. Common deductible expenses include:

Mileage or vehicle expenses (for rideshare or delivery drivers)

Supplies and tools used in your work

Cell phone and internet used for business

Home office expenses

Marketing, advertising, and software costs

Contract labor or subcontractor fees

Keeping receipts and mileage logs can make or break your tax case. If you’re under IRS examination or seeking relief, good records can help prove your deductions and reduce what you owe.

Estimate and Pay Quarterly Taxes

The IRS expects you to pay as you go. Gig workers who expect to owe more than $1,000 for the year are required to make quarterly estimated payments (April, June, September, and January).

Even if you’ve fallen behind, starting now can make a big difference. It shows the IRS you’re current on new taxes, which is essential for qualifying for any tax resolution program like an Installment Agreement or Offer in Compromise.

A simple way to stay on track is to set aside 25–30% of each payment you receive for taxes. Apps like QuickBooks Self-Employed or Everlance can help you track income, mileage, and estimated taxes automatically.

Know Your IRS Resolution Options

If you already owe back taxes, you still have options. The IRS offers several programs that can help gig workers settle or reduce their debt.

1. Installment Agreement

You can pay what you owe over time—often up to 72 months—through a monthly payment plan. This can prevent wage garnishment or bank levies as long as you stay current.

2. Offer in Compromise (OIC)

If you can’t afford to pay the full amount, the IRS may accept a settlement for less based on your income, expenses, assets, and ability to pay. Many self-employed taxpayers qualify if their earnings are inconsistent or seasonal.

3. Currently Not Collectible (CNC)

If paying the IRS would create financial hardship, your account may be placed in CNC status. The IRS temporarily stops collections while your financial situation improves.

4. Penalty Abatement

If you’ve filed and paid late due to reasonable cause—such as illness, loss of records, or reliance on bad advice—you may qualify for first-time abatement or penalty removal.

Each of these programs has strict qualification criteria and documentation requirements, which is why professional representation can make all the difference.

Protect Your Business—and Your Peace of Mind

The IRS has been stepping up enforcement on 1099 and gig income in recent years. With third-party reporting via Form 1099-K, it’s harder than ever to “fly under the radar.” Failing to address back taxes can lead to:

Bank levies or wage garnishments

Liens that damage your credit

Seizure of refunds

Stress, anxiety, and sleepless nights

On the other hand, resolving your tax issues can bring instant peace of mind and help you move forward confidently in your business.

The Bottom Line

Being self-employed gives you flexibility, control, and independence but it also means you shoulder the full responsibility for managing your taxes. Whether you’re behind on filings, owe thousands in back taxes, or just want to avoid future IRS trouble, the time to act is now. Here at Westax Inc. we specialize in helping gig workers with tax problems. You can call us at 941-893-1791 or go to https://www.westaxinc.com/ to schedule a consultation with an experienced tax resolution specialist.

#taxes #taxproblems #irs #irsproblems

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