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Taxpayer Relief

Form 8857: Request for Innocent Spouse Relief

Form 8857 is used to ask the IRS for innocent spouse relief, separation of liability, or equitable relief from certain joint tax liabilities.

When this form may come up

Requesting relief from joint tax liability in qualifying spouse or former spouse situations.

  • A joint return created a tax balance you believe should not fully apply to you.
  • You did not know, or had limited control over, the item causing the tax issue.
  • You need the IRS to evaluate spouse-related relief rules.

Documents to gather before using it

IRS forms are easier to complete when the facts and supporting documents are organized first.

  • Joint tax returns
  • IRS notices
  • Divorce or separation documents if applicable
  • Records showing knowledge, control, finances, or hardship

Important caution

Innocent spouse rules are fact-specific and may involve notification to the other spouse.

Related tax problems

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