Married 12 years - husband is self employed. In 2000 I found out that he had not actually filed the taxes and after I threaten divorce he did file and pay (as far as I know) for 1995 - 1999. At that time I said I would never again file with him or have anything to do with him financially. No bank accts. credit cards etc. only our home is in both our names. He hasn't filed taxes in maybe 5 - 6 yrs as best I can tell. (I've been snooping while he's out of town) I printed out his financial statements and it appears that his income has been about $225,000 a year! I feel so stupid! I don't even have enough change for coffee or lunch money for my son! I confronted him and he said not to worry about the taxes and that his income is gross not net. I'm scared to death! I filled out legal separation papers and will file but I can't figure out a way to physically leave him. Am I going to spend the rest of my life paying for his taxes. Can they seize thing from the me and the kids?
2007-03-15 15:30:35 · 10 answers · asked by Annabelle W 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Taxes ➔ Other - Taxes
Maybe...go to IRS.gov and look up innocent spouse tax releif
http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96786,00.html
2007-03-15 15:36:05 · answer #1 · answered by ☺☻☺☻☺☻ 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You need to consult with a tax attorney. If they won't help or you can't afford one, call the IRS directly from a pay phone and ask questions anonymously to try and figure out if they can hold you responsible.
The thing that worries me is that you have known about this since 2000, so possibly the IRS could argue that you are responsible because you did nothing for 7 years after you learned of this situation.
2007-03-15 22:39:29 · answer #2 · answered by shmigs 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As long as he files (if he files) as single (which he shoudn't) or Married filing Separate (Correct, if legally married or living in a common law marriage state) YOU won't be liable for any debt future or incurred for taxes. Only if you file MFJ (jointly) is when IRS can make you liable for his taxes (examinations or audits, underreported income, etc). For example, if you work as your husband does either SE or wage earner, you can file your taxes MFS but have to use itemized deductions if he uses it as well. The part of not making you participant of the earnings is despicable and egotist, making such amount of money and not even spare it w/ his own family... sorry had to say something about it. You can call IRS tax law assistance is always confidential.
2007-03-15 22:50:21 · answer #3 · answered by DynamoGirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can for any years you thought you were filing jointly. If you filed separately, no. You need to get some advice ASAP. It sounds like he's been up to some shady dealings but there's no way to know for sure so cover yourself. Talk to a lawyer. A consultation isn't that much money. Talk to someone about how to get out too. Sometimes you just need to hear from someone who can be completely calm and detached about the whole thing. If there are any family members who might help out in the meantime, you may want to confide in them.
2007-03-15 22:51:25 · answer #4 · answered by MissWong 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can go after you. If your husband fails to file a return, you MUST file a return to protect yourself. If you fail to do so, the IRS will most likely take the tack that you were aware of the situation and failed to act to protect yourself.
You may be able to pursue an innocent spouse claim but you're always better off being proactive with these dealings.
Get yourself a good CPA to help sort out your tax situation. And get yourself a snarling junk-yard-dog of a divorce attorney. I suspect you'll need both.
2007-03-15 23:35:53 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is possible. Before I was married, I had an employer who was suppose to be taking out taxes. I worked for him for 1 year. Because I was barely able to survive on my salary I didn't worry much because he was suppose to have paid them in.
Later, I married, and the interest that had accrued was astronomical. It took us almost 10 years to pay off and they kept all of our tax refunds. If you are getting legally separated talk to your attorney about making sure he carries his own tax burden. It might be possible to refile "married filing separately" for those years. Your attorney may also be able to contact IRS to negotiate your liability so it will not hang over your head.
2007-03-15 22:42:18 · answer #6 · answered by ggirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No when you file, fill out an injured spouse form. Me and my husband are married and he has to file because the gov says they over pd me 4 yrs ago. I think you will have to do the same. Keep a copy of his financial statement, so you have something to show the judge when it comes to alimony and child support. There shouldn't be so much deception in the marriage. You've already been with him for 12 yrs and he's been lying to you for most of those, don't put up with that!!!! Get out now.
2007-03-15 22:41:19 · answer #7 · answered by brandyswilkes 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
That's a definite maybe. If you decide you want to actually do something to get away, call a lawyer. If all you want is sympathy, call your friends. Good luck.
2007-03-15 22:37:14 · answer #8 · answered by bullwinkle 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If youre legally married, whats his is yours & vice versa, including debts. Whether its gov related or not. Yes, they could take your house for example.
2007-03-15 22:42:01 · answer #9 · answered by bubba23111 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't it nice how our govt scares people so much in a free country!!! What a joke this country is....free my ***!!!
2007-03-17 04:51:07 · answer #10 · answered by Gina P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋