For married partners, the result of one spouse having tax issues can negatively affect both parties. In some incidents a spouse may unfairly be a victim of their married partners on going tax issue with the IRS. If this occurs, the spouse can apply for what’s called an Innocent Spouse Relief. An Innocent Spouse Relief relieves the burden of a tax debt as well as any penalties or interest assessed if there was a tax issue that the other spouse caused without the individual having any part in the actions that may have caused the issue; or by not having acknowledgement.

To apply for Innocent Spouse Relief, an individual must complete the IRS Form 8857.