Innocent Spouse Relief

Relief From a Tax Debt That Isn't Yours

When a married couple files a joint tax return, both spouses are generally held equally responsible for any tax owed — even if only one spouse earned the income or made the errors that led to the debt. Innocent spouse relief is an IRS program designed to protect a spouse (or former spouse) from being unfairly held liable for a tax debt they didn’t create and may not have known about.

Mitchell St. Louis, P.A. helps clients prepare and file for innocent spouse relief, gathering the documentation needed to show the IRS why holding you responsible for the debt would be unfair.

What we handle:

Evaluating eligibility for innocent spouse, separation of liability, or equitable relief
Preparing and filing Form 8857 and supporting documentation
Representing you through the IRS review process
Appealing a denied innocent spouse relief request
Coordinating relief with divorce or separation proceedings when applicable

Why it matters:

Without relief, the IRS can pursue you individually for the full amount of a joint tax debt through liens, levies, or garnishment, regardless of who actually caused it. Filing correctly and building a strong case from the start improves your chances of a favorable outcome.

Contact Mitchell St. Louis, P.A. today to schedule a consultation about innocent spouse relief.