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INNOCENT SPOUSE - Online Self-Help Tool (START)

My Innocent Spouse request was not fully allowed. Should I request an appeal?

Before you begin...
This tool may be helpful to you if the following statements apply to you.

You filed a Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief.
Your request for relief was not fully allowed.
Your request concerns taxes owed when you filed your return but have not been paid.

This tool does not cover cases where the IRS finds you owe additional taxes. However, some of the information found in this tool still may be helpful to you.

You should know that there are several types of relief available for Innocent Spouse but only if you meet certain qualifications. You need to know that the IRS uses special terms to identify the taxpayers involved in an Innocent Spouse case.

Requesting Spouse: The person filing the request - the Form 8857
Non-Requesting Spouse: The other spouse for years that relief is requested. This party may participate in the Innocent Spouse determination.

Begin Here... Are you the requesting spouse?

YES

NO, I am the Non-Requesting Spouse

If you do not want to use the self-help tool, and you know you want to come to the Office of Appeals, then refer to Preparing a Request for Appeal.

Page Last Reviewed or Updated: 2013-02-21