Deductions & Credits

Form 8857: Request for Innocent Spouse Relief

Used to request relief from tax liability when a joint return was filed and the requesting spouse believes they should not be held responsible for the tax understated or underpaid by the other spouse.

Who Files This Form?

Taxpayers seeking relief from joint and several liability on a joint return due to their spouse's erroneous items or unpaid tax.

Key Fields

  • Tax years for which relief is sought
  • Reason for requesting relief
  • Type of relief requested
  • Knowledge of understated tax

Filing Deadlines

Due Date

Generally within 2 years of IRS collection activity

Late Filing Penalty

No penalty for filing; form is used to request relief from tax liability.

Related Forms

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