Form 8857 Relief for Innocent Spouse Relief

8857

Form
(Rev. January 2014)
Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service (99)

Request for Innocent Spouse Relief
OMB No. 1545-1596
▶

Information about Form 8857 and its separate instructions is at www.irs.gov/form8857.

Important things you should know

• Do not file this form with your tax return. See Where To File in the instructions.
• Review and follow the instructions to complete this form. Instructions can be obtained at www.irs.gov/form8857 or by calling
1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
• While your request is being considered, the IRS generally cannot collect any tax from you for the year(s) you request relief.
However, filing this form extends the amount of time the IRS has to collect the tax you owe, if any, for those years.
• The IRS is required by law to notify the person on line 5 that you requested this relief. That person will have the opportunity to
participate in the process by completing a questionnaire about the tax years you enter on line 3. This will be done before the IRS
issues preliminary and final determination letters.
• The IRS will not disclose the following information: your current name, address, phone numbers, or employer.

Part I

Should you file this form?

Generally, both you and your spouse are responsible, jointly and individually, for paying any tax, interest, or penalties from your joint
return. If you believe your current or former spouse should be solely responsible for an erroneous item or an underpayment of tax from
your joint tax return, you may be eligible for innocent spouse relief.
Innocent spouse relief may also be available if you were a resident of a community property state (see list of community property
states in the instructions) and did not file a joint federal income tax return and you believe you should not be held responsible for the
tax attributable to an item of community income.
1

2

Do either of the paragraphs above describe your situation?
Yes. You should file this Form 8857. Go to question 2.
No. Do not file this Form 8857, but go to question 2 to see if you need to file a different form.
Did the IRS take your share of a joint refund from any tax year to pay any of the following past-due debt(s) owed ONLY by your
spouse? • Child support • Spousal support • Student loan (or other federal nontax debt) • Federal or state taxes
Yes. You may be able to get back your share of the refund. See Form 8379, Injured Spouse Allocation, and the instructions to that
form. Go to question 3 if you answered "Yes" to question 1.

3

No. Go to question 3 if you answered "Yes" to question 1. If you answered "No" to question 1, do not file this form.
If you determine you should file this form, enter each tax year you want innocent spouse relief. It is important to enter the
correct year. For example, if the IRS used your 2011 income tax refund to pay a 2009 joint tax liability, enter tax year 2009, not tax
year 2011.
Tax Year
Tax Year

Part II
4

Tax Year
Tax Year

Tax Year
Tax Year

Tell us about yourself and your spouse for the tax years you want relief

Your current name (see instructions)

Your social security number

Address where you wish to be contacted. If this is a change of address, see instructions.
Number and street or P.O. box

Apt. no.

City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. If a foreign address, see instructions.

5

County

Best or safest daytime phone
number (between 6 a.m. and 5
p.m. Eastern Time)

Who was your spouse for the tax years you want relief? File a separate Form 8857 for tax years involving different spouses or
former spouses.
That person’s current name
Social security number (if known)
Current home address (number and street) (if known). If a P.O. box, see instructions.
City, town or post office, state, and ZIP code. If a foreign address, see instructions.

For Privacy Act and Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see instructions.

Cat. No. 24647V

Apt. no.
Daytime phone number (between
6 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eastern Time)

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 2

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part II
6

Tell us about yourself and your spouse for the tax years you want relief (Continued)

What is the current marital status between you and the person on line 5?
Married and still living together
Married and living apart since
MM

DD

YYYY

MM

DD

YYYY

MM

DD

YYYY

MM

DD

YYYY

Widowed since

Attach a photocopy of the death certificate and will (if one exists).

Legally separated since

Attach a photocopy of your entire separation agreement.

Divorced since

7

Attach a photocopy of your entire divorce decree.

Note. A divorce decree stating that your former spouse must pay all taxes does not necessarily mean you qualify for relief.
What was the highest level of education you had completed when the return(s) were filed? If the answers are not the same for all
tax years, explain.
Did not complete high school
High school diploma or equivalent
Some college
College degree or higher. List any degrees you have ▶
List any college-level business or tax-related courses you completed ▶
Explain ▶

8

Were you or other members of your family a victim of spousal abuse or domestic violence, or suffering the effects of such
abuse during any of the tax years you want relief or when any of the returns were filed for those years?
Yes. If you want the IRS to consider this information in making its determination, complete Part V of this form in addition to other
parts of the form. First read the instructions for Part V, to understand how the IRS will proceed with evaluating your claim for relief
in these circumstances.
If you checked “Yes” above, we will put a note on your separate account. This will enable us to respond appropriately and be
sensitive to your situation. We will remove the note from your account if you request it (as explained in the instructions).
If you do not want us to put a note on your account, check here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ▶

9

No. Complete the other parts of this form except for Part V.
When any of the returns listed on line 3 were filed, did you have a mental or physical health problem or do you have a mental
or physical health problem now? If the answers are not the same for all tax years, explain below.
Yes. Attach a statement to explain the problem and when it started. Provide photocopies of any documentation, such as
medical bills or a doctor’s report or letter.
No.
Explain ▶

10

Is there any information you are afraid to provide on this form, but are willing to discuss?
Yes
No

Part III

Tell us if and how you were involved with finances and preparing returns for those tax years

11

Did you agree to file a joint return?
Explain why or why not ▶

12

Did you sign the joint return? See instructions.
Explain why or why not ▶

Yes

No

Yes

No

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 3

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part III
13

Tell us if and how you were involved with finances and preparing returns for those tax years (Continued)

What was your involvement with preparing the returns? Check all that apply and explain, if necessary. If the answers are not the
same for all tax years, explain.
You were not involved in preparing the returns.
You filled out or helped fill out the returns.
You gathered receipts and cancelled checks.
You gave tax documents (such as Forms W-2, 1099, etc.) for the preparation of the returns.
You reviewed the returns before they were filed.
You did not review the returns before they were filed. Explain below why you did not review the returns.
You did not know a joint return was filed.
Other ▶
Explain how you were involved ▶

14

When the returns were filed, what did you know about any incorrect or missing information? Check all that apply and explain, if
necessary. If the answers are not the same for all tax years, explain below.
You knew something was incorrect or missing, but you said nothing. Explain below.
You knew something was incorrect or missing and asked about it. Explain below.
You did not know anything was incorrect or missing.
Not applicable. There was no incorrect or missing information.
Explain ▶

15

When any of the returns were filed, what did you know about the income of the person on line 5? Check all that apply and
explain, if necessary. If the answers are not the same for all tax years, explain.
You knew that the person on line 5 had income.
List each type of income on the lines provided below. (Examples are wages, social security, gambling winnings, or selfemployment business income.) Enter each tax year and the amount of income for each type you listed. If you do not know any
details, enter “I don’t know.”

You knew that the person on line 5 was self-employed and you helped with the books and records.
You knew that the person on line 5 was self-employed and you did not help with the books and records.
You knew that the person on line 5 had no income.
You did not know whether the person on line 5 had income.
Explain why you did not know whether the person on line 5 had income ▶
16

When the returns were filed, did you know if the returns showed a balance due to the IRS for those tax years? If the answers
are not the same for all tax years, explain.
Yes. Explain when and how you thought the amount of tax reported on the return would be paid ▶

No. Explain why you did not know the return showed a balance due. ▶

17

Not applicable. There was no balance due on the return.
When any of the returns were filed, were you having financial problems (for example, bankruptcy or bills you could not pay)? If the
answers are not the same for all tax years, explain.
Yes. Explain ▶
No.
Did not know. Explain ▶
Form

8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 4

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part III
18

Tell us if and how you were involved with finances and preparing returns for those tax years (Continued)

For the years you want relief, how were you involved in the household finances? Check all that apply. If the answers are not the
same for all tax years, explain.
You were not involved in handling money for the household. Explain below.
You knew the person on line 5 had separate accounts.
You had joint accounts with the person on line 5, but you had limited use of them or did not use them. Explain below.
You used joint accounts with the person on line 5. You made deposits, paid bills, balanced the checkbook, or reviewed the
monthly bank statements.
You made decisions about how money was spent. For example, you paid bills or made decisions about household purchases.
Other ▶
Explain anything else you want to tell us about your household finances ▶

19

Did you (or the person on line 5) incur any large expenses, such as trips, home improvements, or private schooling, or make
any large purchases, such as automobiles, appliances, or jewelry, during any of the years you want relief or any later years?
Yes. Describe (a) the types and amounts of the expenses and purchases and (b) the years they were incurred or made.

20

No.
Has the person on line 5 ever transferred assets (money or property) to you? (Property includes real estate, stocks, bonds, or
other property that you own or possess now or possessed in the past.) See instructions.
Yes. List the assets, the dates they were transferred, and their fair market values on the dates transferred. If the property was
secured by any debt (such as a mortgage on real estate), explain who was responsible for making payments on the debt, how much
was owed on the debt at the time of transfer and whether the debt has been satisfied. Explain why the assets were transferred to you.
If you no longer possess or own the assets, explain what happened with the assets.

No.

Part IV
21

Tell us about your current financial situation

Tell us about your assets. Your assets are your money and property. Property includes real estate, motor vehicles, stocks, bonds,
and other property that you own. In the table below, list the amount of cash you have on hand and in your bank accounts. Also list
each item of property, the fair market value (as defined in the instructions) of each item, and the balance of any outstanding loans you
used to acquire each item. Do not list any money or property you listed on line 20.
Description of Assets

Fair Market Value

Balance of Any Outstanding Loans
You Used To Acquire the Asset

Form

8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 5

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part IV
22
23

Tell us about your current financial situation (Continued)

How many people are currently in your household, including yourself?
Adults
Tell us your current average monthly income and expenses for your entire household.

Children

Monthly Income — If family or friends are helping to support you, include the amount of support as gifts below.

Amount

Gifts
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wages (Gross pay) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unemployment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Social security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Government assistance, such as housing, food stamps, grants . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Alimony
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Self-employment business income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rental income
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest and dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, such as disability payments, gambling winnings, etc. List each type below:
Type
Type
Type
Total Monthly Income

Monthly Expenses — Enter all expenses, including expenses paid with income from gifts.
Food and Personal Care:
Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Housekeeping supplies
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clothing and clothing services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Personal care products and services . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transportation:
Auto loan/lease payment, gas, insurance, licenses, parking, maintenance, etc.
Public transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Housing and Utilities:
Rent or mortgage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate taxes and insurance
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Electric, oil, gas, water, trash, etc.
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Telephone and cell phone
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cable and Internet
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Medical:
Health insurance premiums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Out-of-pocket expenses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other:
Child and dependent care
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Caregiver expenses
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax withholding (federal, state, and local)
. . . . . . . . .
Estimated tax payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Term life insurance premiums
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retirement contributions (employer required)
. . . . . . . . . .
Retirement contributions (voluntary)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Union dues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unpaid state and local taxes (minimum payment)
. . . . . . . . .
Student loans (minimum payment)
. . . . . . . . . . . . .
Court-ordered debt payments (for example, court- or agency-ordered child
garnishments). List each type below:
Type
Type
Type
Miscellaneous

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support, alimony

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and

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Total Monthly Expenses
Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 6

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part V

Complete this part if you were (or are now) a victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse

As stated in line 8, providing this additional information is not mandatory but may strengthen your request. Additionally, if you prefer to provide this
information orally, check the "Yes" box on line 10.
If you were (or are now) a victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse by the person on line 5, the IRS will consider the information you provide in
this part to determine whether to grant innocent spouse relief. However, the IRS is required by law to notify the person on line 5 that you requested
this relief. There are no exceptions to this rule. That person will have the opportunity to participate in the process by completing a questionnaire about
the tax years you entered on line 3. This will be done before the IRS issues preliminary and final determination letters. However, the IRS is also
required by law to keep all the personal identifying information (such as current names, addresses, and employment-related information) of both you
and the person on line 5 confidential. This means that the IRS cannot disclose one person's information to the other person. If the IRS does not grant
you relief and you choose to petition the Tax Court, your personal identifying information is available, unless you ask the Tax Court to withhold it.
The person on line 5 will receive a questionnaire about the tax years you entered on line 3. Except for your current name, address, phone numbers,
and employer, this form and any attachments could be disclosed to the person on line 5. If you have any privacy concerns, see instructions.
The IRS understands and is sensitive to the effects of domestic violence and spousal abuse, and encourages victims of domestic violence to call 911
if they are in immediate danger. If you have concerns about your safety, please consider contacting the 24-Hour (Confidential) National Domestic
Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY), or 1-855-812-1001 (Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers) before you file this form.
A representative from the IRS may call you to gather more information and discuss your request. Be sure you enter your correct contact information
on line 4.
24a

During any of the tax years for which you are seeking relief or when any of the returns were filed for those years, did the person on line 5 do
any of the following? Check all that apply. (Note. If this does not apply to you, skip lines 24a, b, and c, and complete lines 25 through 29.)
Physically harm or threaten you, your children, or other members of your family.
Sexually abuse you, your children, or other members of your family.
Make you afraid to disagree with him/her.
Criticize or insult you or frequently put you down.
Withhold money for food, clothing, or other basic needs.
Make most or all the decisions for you, including financial decisions.
Restrict or control who you could see or talk to or where you could go.
Isolate you or keep you from contacting your family members and/or friends.
Cause you to fear for your safety in any other way.
Stalk you, your children, or other members of your family.
Abuse alcohol or drugs.

b Describe the abuse you experienced, including approximately when it began and how it may have affected you, your children, or
other members of your family. Explain how this abuse affected your ability to question the reporting of items on your tax return or
the payment of the tax due on your return.

c

25
26
27
28

29

Attach photocopies of any documentation you have, such as:
• Protection and/or restraining order.
• Injury photographs.
• Police reports.
• A statement from someone who was aware of or witnessed the
abuse or the results of the abuse (notarized if possible).
• Medical records.
•
Any other documentation you may have.
• Doctor's report or letter.
Are you afraid of the person listed on line 5?
Yes
No
Does the person listed on line 5 pose a danger to you, your children, or other members of your family?
Yes
No
Were the police, sheriff, or other law enforcement ever called?
Yes
No
Was the person listed on line 5 charged or arrested for abusing you, your children, or other members of your family?
Yes. Provide details below.

No
Have you sought help from a local domestic violence program?
Yes. Provide details below.

No

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Page 7

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)

Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.

Part VI
30

Part VII
31

Additional Information

Please provide any other information you want us to consider in determining whether it would be unfair to hold you liable for
the tax.

Tell us if you would like a refund

By checking this box and signing this form, you are indicating that you would like a refund if you qualify for relief and if you
already paid the tax. See instructions
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Caution
By signing this form, you understand that, by law, we must contact the person on line 5. See instructions for details.

Keep a copy
for your
records.

Paid
Preparer
Use Only

Under penalties of perjury, I declare that I have examined this form and any accompanying schedules and statements, and to the best of my knowledge and
belief, they are true, correct, and complete. Declaration of preparer (other than taxpayer) is based on all information of which preparer has any knowledge.

▲

Sign
Here

Your signature

Print/Type preparer’s name

Date

Preparer's signature

Date

Check
if
self-employed

Firm’s name

▶

Firm's EIN

Firm's address

▶

Phone no.

PTIN

▶

Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)