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Liable for husband's back taxes?

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mgmkitty

Member
What is the name of your state? California

i married my husband last year. he hasn't filed his taxes in 5 years. he finally filed this year, and doesn't owe much, we're trying to work out a payment we can handle. but will i be liable for his debt? i.e. will my wages be garnished? can they seize any property we are making payments on? can they garnish any pensions i receive?
 
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abezon

Senior Member
They won't garnish your wages or pension, but they can garnish a joint bank account and they can take any joint refund to pay his debt. If you file jointly, either make sure you don't have a refund, or file a claim as an injured spouse so that you get your refund back & the IRS only takes his money.
 

mgmkitty

Member
I filed married but filing seperately. If we are making an effort to repay his debt, will they go so far as to garnish his wages, or our bank accounts? Or even put him in jail?
 

abezon

Senior Member
Not unless he owes thousands. Just send the IRS money everytime they send you a letter. Don't bother with a payment plan unless you get some benefit from it -- like they agree in writing to waive the penalties. (They won't.) Paymant plans are rigid & one late payment causes the IRS to start collection proceedings. If you just send money in regularly, they won't go to collections.
 

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