Legal Question in Tax Law in New York

Responsible to pay for spouse's debt

A couple years after marriage I dcided to file a joint tax return with my husband, the refund was witheld. I was not aware that he owed taxes before we got married, most likely during the dating stages. Maybe 2 years before we got married. Am I still liable for this man's unpaid taxes? We are currently separated, not divorced.


Asked on 3/28/06, 12:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Norman Nadel Norman Nadel, Esq.

Re: Responsible to pay for spouse's debt

Your liability for his taxes is limited to the refunds (overpayment) on the joint return. You are also exposed to any additional tax that might be assessed with repect to the joint return.

You might get the benefit of an innocent spouse.

Otherwise you have no obligation to pay his individual tax liability.

Read more
Answered on 3/28/06, 12:44 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Tax and Taxation Law questions and answers in New York