10/09/2026
There is something called innocent spouse relief, and a lot of people going through divorce have never heard of it.
Here's the idea. When you file a joint tax return, both of you are generally responsible for the full amount owed, even if one spouse was the one handling the finances. So if your spouse understated income, hid earnings, or made errors on a joint return without your knowledge, you could end up on the hook for a tax debt you didn't create.
Innocent spouse relief may give you a way to ask the IRS not to hold you responsible for that portion. It isn't automatic, and whether you qualify depends on your specific situation, including what you knew and when. But for many people, it's an option worth understanding before finalizing a divorce.