Innocent Spouse Relief

You Are NOT Responsible for the Misdeeds of Your Spouse… If You Know What Steps to Take.

You’re in luck! The IRS has provisions for this situation. It’s called “Innocent Spouse Relief.”

Under certain circumstances, you may be resolved of any misdeeds of a spouse or former spouse involving income tax fraud.

Most married couples file their tax returns jointly. There are certainly benefits to this, but if there were certain “errors” or “mistakes” on your joint return and it was your (present or former) spouse’s fault, you could be in luck. There are provisions in the Tax code that will let you out of a tax burden that was not your fault. But, it will need to be proven. We can help.

To ensure yourself the best possible outcome, it is best to take action as soon as you realize there is a problem.

We can review your situation and help you determine your options and file for Innocent Spouse Relief when necessary.

“Innocent Spouse Relief provides you relief from additional tax you owe if your spouse or former spouse failed to report income, reported income improperly or claimed improper deductions or credits.” – IRS Topic 205

Let Us Help:

Who Can Claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit? Guidance for Orange County Parents

Quick Answer: The American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) must be claimed by whoever legally lists the student as a dependent on their federal tax return. If a parent claims the undergraduate, the parent gets the credit; if the student is independent, they...

Do You Get Better Tax Breaks For Being Married, Orange County Couples?

Key TakeawaysMost married couples lower their tax liability by choosing the Married Filing Jointly status, which preserves access to deductions that separate filers lose. When there is a significant income gap between partners, combining earnings on a joint...

2026 Guide to Short-Term Rental Taxes for Orange County Airbnb & VRBO Hosts

Key TakeawaysYou do not have to pay federal income tax on rental earnings if you rent your home for 14 days or fewer per year and use it personally for more than 14 days (or 10% of the rental period). You will only receive a Form 1099-K if you exceed...

Do You Have to Pay Taxes On Sports Betting? What Orange County Bettors Need To Know

Key TakeawaysThe IRS considers all sports betting payouts as ordinary income, regardless of the amount or whether you received a tax form. For the 2026 tax year, you can only deduct 90% of your gambling losses against your winnings, even if you ended the year...

The Orange County Taxpayer’s Guide: How Do I Calculate My Federal Tax Withholding?

Key TakeawaysA large refund is an interest-free loan to the government, while a big bill suggests you are at risk for IRS underpayment penalties. Updating your Form W-4 by late April allows you to spread adjustments across the majority of the year,...

How Does Self-Employment Tax Work For Orange County Taxpayers Leaving Their 9-to-5?

Key TakeawaysAs a W-2 employee, you pay half of Social Security and Medicare tax through withholding. As a self-employed taxpayer, you pay both halves through self-employment tax. Self-employment tax is 15.3% of your adjusted net earnings, and you also pay...

Your Tax Pro’s Guide To Spring Cleaning Your Tax Reduction Strategy

Key Takeaways Use your 2025 return as a diagnostic tool to calculate your real tax percentage and identify specific areas for AGI reduction. Use the post-tax season window to calibrate your withholding or estimated payments. IRS limits have increased for...

Mistakes Orange County Taxpayers Should Avoid When Filing For a Federal Tax Extension

Key TakeawaysA federal extension provides six extra months to file, but all taxes owed must still be paid by the April 15th deadline to avoid penalties and interest. For 2026, the IRS assesses a 0.5% monthly failure-to-pay penalty plus 7% annual interest...

s the Self-Employment Tax Credit Real? And Other Tax Scams Orange County Taxpayers Should Watch For

Key TakeawaysToday’s tax scams look professional, sound convincing, and are built to get your Social Security number, filing credentials, or signature on a bad return. A big refund promise is one of the clearest warning signs of a scam. You are...

Will the IRS Ever Call You On the Phone? 6 Tax Scams for Orange County Taxpayers to Avoid

Key TakeawaysThe IRS does not initiate first contact by phone, text, email, or social media. Initial contact is generally made by mail. A message demanding immediate payment, threatening arrest, or asking for gift cards, crypto, or banking information is a...

Ready to get started?

Our schedule is very full, but if you call us at (866) 282-3127 or email us we'll give you two options to meet with us right away—in-office or virtually. We will NOT make dealing with a tax professional as painful as it's been in the past!