A Closer Look at Innocent Spouse Relief

Innocent spouse relief allows one spouse or ex-spouse to be relieved of liability for an income tax incurred during the marriage.  This relief can provide a much-needed lifeline to taxpayers who are divorced or contemplating divorce. Injured Spouse Relief is not Innocent Spouse Relief Before considering the innocent spouse rules, it is helpful to consider…

Congress Provides Significant Relief for Back Taxes

There are winners and losers when it comes to the recent tax changes proposed by Congress. As it turns out, those who owe back taxes to the IRS may be in the winner category. The proposed changes will significantly increase the amount of income that is beyond the IRS’s reach. If the legislation is passed…

Making the IRS Pay for Unlawful Collection Activities

Taxpayers often feel helpless when it comes to the IRS. We hear this from clients when there is some real or perceived injustice involving the IRS. While the IRS and IRS employees have a lot of power, they are subject to the law.  The law provides taxpayers with several remedies when they are harmed by…

Can the IRS Disclose My Tax Return?

Clients often ask us whether the IRS can disclose information that they provided to the IRS.  The short answer is “no,” but there are a number of exceptions.  This article examines the rules that prohibit IRS employees from disclosing taxpayer information and some of the remedies that are available if the IRS violates the rules.…