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Filing a joint tax return with your spouse can simplify the tax process and often provides beneficial tax rates. However, it also means that both partners are jointly and individually responsible for the accuracy of the return and any resulting tax liabilities. This joint liability can become problematic if your spouse or former spouse has underreported income, claimed improper deductions, or committed other tax errors without your knowledge. In such cases, the IRS offers a provision known as Innocent Spouse Relief, which may relieve you from paying additional tax, interest, and penalties. What Is Innocent Spouse Relief? Innocent Spouse Relief is a provision that allows an individual to be relieved of responsibility for paying tax, interest, and penalties if their spouse (or former spouse) improperly reported or omitted items on their joint tax return. This relief is designed to protect individuals who were unaware of the inaccuracies and should not be held liable for their spouse's tax misdeeds. Who Qualifies for Innocent Spouse Relief? To qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you must meet the following conditions: Joint Return: You filed a joint return with your spouse or former spouse. Erroneous Items: The return has an understatement of tax due to erroneous items (unreported income, incorrect deductions, or credits) attributable to your spouse. Lack of Knowledge: At the time you signed the joint return, you did not know, and had no reason to know, that there was an understatement of tax. Inequity: Considering all the facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold you liable for the understatement of tax. It's important to note that Innocent Spouse Relief is only applicable to individual income or self-employment taxes. It does not apply to other types of taxes, such as business taxes or household employment taxes. How to Request Innocent Spouse Relief If you believe you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief, you should file Form 8857, Request for Innocent Spouse Relief , as soon as possible. This form covers all types of relief, including Separation of Liability Relief and Equitable Relief. The IRS will review your information and determine the type of relief for which you qualify. Time Frame for Filing You must file Form 8857 no later than two years after the date on which the IRS first attempted to collect the tax from you. Timely filing is crucial to ensure your request is considered. Additional Considerations Separation of Liability Relief: If you're divorced, legally separated, or not living with your spouse, you may qualify for Separation of Liability Relief, which allocates the understated tax between you and your spouse. Equitable Relief: If you don't qualify for Innocent Spouse or Separation of Liability Relief, you might be eligible for Equitable Relief if, considering all facts and circumstances, it would be unfair to hold you liable for the tax. How Shield Tax Relief Services Can Assist You Navigating the process of requesting Innocent Spouse Relief can be complex and emotionally taxing. At Shield Tax Relief Services, we specialize in assisting clients through this process by: Evaluating Eligibility: Assessing your situation to determine if you qualify for Innocent Spouse Relief or other forms of relief. Preparing Documentation: Assisting in the accurate and thorough completion of Form 8857 and gathering necessary supporting documents. Advocacy: Communicating with the IRS on your behalf to present your case effectively. Guidance: Providing ongoing support and advice throughout the process to ensure the best possible outcome. If you believe you're unfairly burdened with tax liability due to your spouse's actions, don't hesitate to seek professional assistance. Contact Shield Tax Relief Services at (703) 795-0813 now for a free consultation to discuss your options and protect your financial well-being.

Receiving an IRS notice can be alarming, especially when it’s an LT11 letter, officially known as a “Final Notice of Intent to Levy and Your Right to a Hearing.” This notice is a serious step in the IRS’s collection process and requires immediate attention. If you’ve received an LT11 letter, don’t panic—Shield Tax Relief Services is here to help. What Does the LT11 Letter Mean? An LT11 letter is the IRS’s way of informing you that they intend to seize your assets to satisfy unpaid tax debt. This could include garnishing your wages, levying your bank account, or placing a lien on your property. However, before the IRS takes these actions, they must send this final notice, giving you the opportunity to address your tax debt and avoid collection efforts. Why You Should Act Immediately Ignoring an LT11 letter can have devastating consequences. Once the IRS begins levying your assets, it becomes much harder to reverse the process. Acting quickly allows you to: Exercise Your Right to a Hearing: The LT11 letter includes information about your right to request a Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing. This hearing is your chance to present your case, explore payment options, or dispute the tax debt. Negotiate a Resolution: Before the IRS seizes your assets, you have an opportunity to work out a resolution, such as an installment agreement, offer in compromise, or currently not collectible status. Prevent Further Penalties: Addressing the issue promptly can halt escalating penalties and interest, saving you money in the long run. How Shield Tax Relief Services Can Help Dealing with the IRS can be overwhelming, especially when facing potential asset seizure. At Shield Tax Relief Services, we specialize in helping clients respond to IRS notices like the LT11 letter. Here’s how we can assist you: Analyze Your Situation: We’ll review your tax records to ensure the IRS’s claims are accurate and determine the best resolution strategy. Request a Hearing: If appropriate, we’ll file for a Collection Due Process hearing to protect your rights and explore alternatives to a levy. Negotiate with the IRS: As your advocate, we’ll handle all communications with the IRS, working to secure a resolution that fits your financial situation. Provide Peace of Mind : With Shield Tax Relief Services on your side, you won’t have to face the IRS alone. Don’t Face the LT11 Letter Alone The LT11 letter is a serious warning, but it’s also an opportunity to resolve your tax issues before they escalate. Taking action now can protect your assets and put you on the path to financial stability. If you’ve received an LT11 letter, let Shield Tax Relief Services help. Contact Jeff Pomerantz, CPA, to discuss your options and take control of your tax situation today.

Facing IRS tax debt can feel like standing at the bottom of a mountain, staring up at an impossible climb. The stress of mounting penalties, threatening letters, and potential garnishments can weigh heavily on anyone. But is hiring a tax resolution professional, like a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), the right move? The answer is a resounding yes. At Shield Tax Relief Services, we’ve seen firsthand how having the right expertise can turn a seemingly hopeless situation into a manageable path forward. Here’s why hiring a tax resolution professional can be the smartest decision you make. 1. Expert Knowledge of Tax Laws The IRS tax code is a complex and ever-changing web of rules. A tax resolution professional like Jeff Pomerantz, CPA, understands the intricacies of these regulations. With years of experience, Shield Tax Relief Services can identify solutions you might not know exist, including offers in compromise, penalty abatements, and installment agreements. 2. Protection Against IRS Actions When you're dealing with tax debt, the IRS has powerful tools at its disposal, like wage garnishments, bank levies, and property liens. A tax resolution professional can serve as your advocate, stopping aggressive collection actions and negotiating directly with the IRS on your behalf. 3. Tailored Solutions for Your Situation Every taxpayer's situation is unique. Shield Tax Relief Services specializes in creating personalized strategies to resolve tax issues. Whether you owe $10,000 or $100,000 or more, we analyze your financial circumstances to determine the best course of action. 4. Peace of Mind One of the greatest benefits of hiring a tax resolution professional is the peace of mind it brings. Instead of trying to navigate the IRS alone, you’ll have a trusted expert in your corner, fighting for the best outcome. With Shield Tax Relief Services handling the paperwork, deadlines, and negotiations, you can focus on what matters most—your life and your future. 5. Better Outcomes Than Going It Alone While you can technically try to resolve your tax debt on your own, the odds of achieving a favorable outcome are significantly higher with professional help. CPAs like Jeff Pomerantz have the skills to negotiate reductions in penalties, establish reasonable payment plans, and even secure tax debt forgiveness in qualifying cases. Don’t Wait—Take Action Today Every day you delay addressing your tax debt, interest and penalties continue to grow. Worse, ignoring the problem could lead to more severe consequences, such as asset seizures or wage garnishments. The sooner you act, the more options you have for resolution. At Shield Tax Relief Services, we’re here to provide the expertise, advocacy, and support you need to regain control of your financial future. Schedule a consultation today to find out how we can help you resolve your IRS tax debt.

The new season is a great reason to make and keep resolutions. Whether it’s eating right or cleaning out the garage, here are some tips for making and keeping resolutions.

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