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What Actions Can the IRS Take If I Don’t Seek Comprehensive Spouse Relief or other Tax Relief?
If the IRS decides to take enforcement or collection action against a taxpayer, the agency has an array of legal tools to attempt to secure a monetary recovery even when the taxpayer is non-cooperative. Potential actions the IRS can take to collect tax debts (you agreed to be responsible for) on a joint return include:
- The IRS can record a tax lien against your home or other property to secure the debt. A tax lien can restrict your ability to transfer or dispose of the property and will generally negatively impact your credit score.
- The IRS can levy, or seize, money from your bank accounts, wages, other income sources and other property (such as your home, cars, equipment, etc.) to satisfy tax debts owed.
While taxpayers can oppose these enforced collection actions, when applicable it is generally more strategic and effective to seek innocent spouse relief that attacks the basis for the collection action. Working with an experienced tax attorney can help you develop grounds that would justify a request for innocent spouse relief or other forms of tax relief.
