When a couple files a joint tax return (as most married couples do), both husband and wife are responsible for any underpayment or errors. This is true even if only the husband or wife earned all the income.

In most cases, the IRS goes after the spouse who is easier to track down. Usually this person didn't perform the fancy financial footwork. In fact, it is usually a woman's problem. Often the husband is beyond the reach of the tax collector. He may have filed bankruptcy, be self-employed or gone underground.

It is hard to believe the far-reaching impact this can have on your life when you've done nothing wrong. You can find yourself saddled with tax debts you knew nothing about.

The IRS collection process has been a nightmare for thousands of divorced or separated women. If she is working, the IRS levies her wages and records Federal Tax Liens that appear on her credit report. All of this can happen while she is trying to rebuild her life and credit. If she has remarried, her new husband can find himself paying the ex's tax debt.

Many women sign tax returns without even reviewing them. A common scenario is that her husband puts the form in front of her and she just signs without any questions.

Even if she doesn't know there is tax due either because her ex didn't pay or if there is additional tax due as a result of an IRS audit, she is still responsible. This is true even if a divorce decree states that her ex is responsible for any amounts due on the previously filed tax return.

The good news is there is a way to resolve the problem through “Innocent Spouse Relief”.

There are rules that should prevent the divorced and legally separated from being held accountable if her former spouse cheated on taxes, didn't pay or made mistakes on the return.

Our tax professionals can help you get on with your life – earning a living, taking care of your family and really starting over. Please contact us as quickly as possible so that we can get started and avoid even more serious tax problems.

You can reach TPS by telephone at 678-518-4442; toll free at 1-866-518-4442; by fax at 678-518-4064 or email at taxspecialists@bellsouth.net .