Am I Liable - Tax Lien

[fkbsar]

What is the name of your state? Indiana

I left an abusive marriage in 1995 and moved to Indiana from Pennsylvania. I have had no contact with my husband since that day in Sept. of 1995. I did not divorce him and we are not legally separated. He is currently incarcerated in PA for murder for quite a long time. While searching the PA court site I found: IRS vs. ...... filed in 2002 under his name and his name only. I want to buy a house here in Indiana. Am I liable for this debt?

[tdavidl]

What is the name of your state? Indiana

I left an abusive marriage in 1995 and moved to Indiana from Pennsylvania. I have had no contact with my husband since that day in Sept. of 1995. I did not divorce him and we are not legally separated. He is currently incarcerated in PA for murder for quite a long time. While searching the PA court site I found: IRS vs. ...... filed in 2002 under his name and his name only. I want to buy a house here in Indiana. Am I liable for this debt?

doesn't sound like it, however, if it was on a joint return that you signed, probably, unless you're eligible for innocent spouse relief. if it's on a joint return that he filed & signed your name & you can prove it you're off the hook. if it's on a single return he filed, that doesn;t concern you.

[fkbsar]

Thanks for the response. No, I don't think it was a joint. I haven't been with him since 1995. Is there a way to find out what year that the lien is for? I don't want to open a can of worms.

[Snipes5]

Call the IRS and order transcripts for tax years going back to 1995. These are free.

If he filed anything using your SSN, it will appear on your master tax record.

Don't say anything to the IRS when you make the call, just order the transcripts. They will be sent to you in about 30 days and you will be able to see what they have on record.

Snipes

[fkbsar]

Thanks for the advice. Question though: Wouldn't there have been a problem if I had filed taxes here and he had also filed using my name in another state with the same SS No.? I work in the federal building here and the IRS is just downstairs so I can probably pop in there tomorrow and see what is what or would just calling be better.

[tdavidl]

Thanks for the advice. Question though: Wouldn't there have been a problem if I had filed taxes here and he had also filed using my name in another state with the same SS No.? I work in the federal building here and the IRS is just downstairs so I can probably pop in there tomorrow and see what is what or would just calling be better.

generally yes, the IRS has gotten pretty good at catching ss#'s used more then once. ltrs are usually sent.