Do I have to pay tax debt from previous marraige?

Question

I received a bill from the IRS for a 2006 joint tax return under my ex-husband's tax account. however, I was already married to someone else during that time. I have not seen my ex-husband for nearly 2 years. what do I do? am I still accountable?

Answer 1

You are accountable, and you really answered your own question.  "Joint Return" is the answer.

You should contact IRS to set up an installment agreement.

Answer 2

If you did not file with your ex husband you are not responsible. My concern here is that if your divorce was in 2006, it is possible that he forged your name and filed a joint tax return. According to the IRS if you were divorced on the last day of the year you are considered divorced for the entire year.  If you in fact did not  file with him you need to contact the IRS and report the FRAUD and press charges. You can request a transcript of the tax return from the IRS to see how it was filed. It could also be a simple error on the IRS's part.

Answer 3

If you filed a joint return for that year, then yes you are liable - the IRS will collect from whichever of you they can.

There is a slight possibility you might be eligible for relief under the innocent spouse provision.  Check into that.  See http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0...

Answer 4

I would say look in your divorce papers and see what it says

Answer 5

If the tax obligation was incurred while you were still married, you will probably owe the money.  Call the IRS.  They are actually quite friendly and helpful these days and could possibly resolve the issue over the phone for you.  You might want to check if your husband had hidden credit card debt, too.  Often this is a nasty surprise & many times women end up having to pay their ex husband's hooker bills.

Answer 6

If you were married to someone other than your ex at the end of 2006, there is no reason your name should be on a joint return with him so should not owe the tax.  Investigate further and find out what has happened.

Answer 7

Were you divorced as of 12/31/2006?  Then you could not have filed a tax return with him and would not have to pay his tax.  You should respond to the IRS letter disagreeing with the tax assessment.  Enclose copies of your divorce papers.

You may want to take the correspondence you received to a professional to help you respond correctly.  Do not delay and respond by the date in the letter.