Legal Question in Tax Law in Tennessee

IRS v Innocent spouse

How can the IRS make me liable for a debt that allegedly occurred long before I even met my present husband, much less marry him? I met my husband in 1988 and we were married in 1989. The IRS is attempting to collect a debt which occurred in the years 1985,86, and 87. Apparently, my husband's ex-wife erroneously (fraudulently) filed the tax returns for those years as a single mother of their two children rather than as married persons even though my husband was providing her with all his income to support their household and two minor children. My husband was in the Navy at the time and although he was gone alot he still lived at the couple's residence and his salary (which far exceeded his then wife's) was entirely devoted to that household. Why am I also liable considering that neither of us knew of this situation until after we were married? My husband and I have a joint bank account and we own a house together.


Asked on 6/17/99, 10:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
MYRON LEWIS MYRON LEWIS

Re: IRS v Innocent spouse

1. Ck. the law for innocent spouses! You may have rights to avoid any payment coming from you! Also, don't use joint cking. a/c's unless you realize any creditor can go after BOTH of you for even 1 person's debts! why not keep your OWN money in Your OWN name? As for real estate; change it to "Tenancy by the Entirety" to protect yourself. I wish you good luck!

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Answered on 6/30/99, 1:13 pm


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