Asked in Tax Law for Florida

Q: Married filing jointly, husband owes money to IRS (FL)

I'm in FL. Been filing married filing jointly for 6 years, but was never aware of anything as my husband was doing everything and also signing for me (I knew about it, I trusted him). Now he told me he owes a lot of money to the IRS. I've never had anything to do with his business and I work very rarely and make almost nothing, he's been supporting me financially. Now I'm terrified as I guess we would both be responsible in front of the law for this debt. Is there anything he/we could do for him to officially take all the blame in front of the IRS? Also, should I start filing married filing separately from now on? I trust him, he doesn't want to damage me, so if there's something he can do to leave me out he will do it.

Thank you

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
Leihernst Lamarre
Leihernst Lamarre
Answered
  • Tax Law Lawyer
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: Suppose your husband incurred the debt before you guys married, then the debt is in his name alone. However, if the tax debt occurred during the marriage and you file Married Filing Joint, you are also responsible for the tax debt. The best way to protect yourself from having any refunds or credits that are due taken is to file Married Filing Separate. However, be warned that you will lose out on some credits using this method

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.