GET A FREE QUOTE TODAY - CALL US +1 (844) 556-3073
Blog Layout
Divorced? Here’s How to Handle IRS Joint Tax Debt!
Chad Dickinson • February 20, 2025
If you’ve gone through a divorce and still have IRS tax debt from a joint return, you might be wondering what happens next. Does your divorce decree protect you? Can the IRS come after you for the full amount? What steps should you take to separate your liability from your ex-spouse?
In this blog, we’ll cover what you need to know about handling joint tax debt after a divorce and how you can protect yourself from unwanted tax liabilities.
Understanding Joint and Several Liability
When you file married filing jointly, the IRS holds both spouses responsible for the entire tax debt. This means:
- The IRS can collect 100% of the balance from either spouse
- Your divorce decree does NOT override the IRS’s ability to collect from you
- The IRS will not automatically split the debt 50/50
This surprises many taxpayers who assume their divorce decree protects them from responsibility. Unfortunately, the IRS does not follow family court orders when it comes to collecting tax debt.
How to Separate Your Tax Debt After Divorce
The best way to handle tax debt after a divorce is through a process called mirroring. This process does not eliminate your liability, but it allows you to address your tax balance individually, without your ex-spouse being involved.
- Mirroring takes about 90 days
- Once complete, each spouse can negotiate their own resolution with the IRS
- This means you can qualify for tax relief based on your financial situation
Mirroring doesn’t mean the IRS splits the balance in half—it simply allows each ex-spouse to handle their portion of the debt independently.
Watch the Full Video Explanation Here:
Need Help Resolving IRS Tax Debt?
At Arch Tax, we help taxpayers navigate complex IRS issues, including joint tax debt, audits, and tax resolution strategies. If you need help separating your liability or negotiating a settlement, click here and contact us today!
Identity theft continues to be a major concern during tax season, and the IRS has taken steps to protect taxpayers through increased identity verification procedures. While these efforts help reduce fraud, they can also delay your refund if your return gets flagged. In this post, we’ll explain what triggers these IRS identity checks, how to respond if it happens to you, and the simple steps you can take now to avoid delays altogether. Watch the below video for a quick explanation:
What is an ID.me Account?
Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way — medical emergencies, divorce, job loss, the death of a loved one, and natural disasters. When you’re facing one of these major life events, the last thing you want to worry about is dealing with the IRS. But here’s the tough truth: personal tragedy doesn’t always help when it comes to your IRS case. In this video, Chad Dickinson from Arch Tax breaks down how personal hardship affects your ability to work with the IRS — and what you need to prove to actually qualify for hardship relief. Watch the video below to get the full story:
If you’re self-employed or earning income without tax withholding, you could be in for a big surprise at tax time! Without making Estimated Tax Payments (ETPs) throughout the year, you may owe more than expected—plus potential IRS penalties. The below video explains what Estimated Tax Payments are:
If you're considering withdrawing money from your 401(k) retirement account, you may be in for a costly surprise when tax season rolls around. Read this article and learn how to be prepared.
Want to save money on your taxes? If you’ve had significant out-of-pocket medical expenses, you may be eligible for a tax deduction—but only if you meet specific IRS requirements. In this guide, we’ll break down which medical expenses qualify for deductions, what doesn’t, and how to properly claim them on your tax return. Watch the video below for a quick explanation:
Tax season is here, and the IRS has increased the standard deduction for 2024! This update means potential tax savings for millions of Americans. Whether you file as single, married, or head of household, understanding these changes can help you maximize your tax benefits. Check out this quick video from Chad Dickinson at Arch Tax explaining the new 2024 standard deduction amounts:
The 2024 tax season is here, and you might be wondering: how much do I have to pay in taxes? Whether you're filing as a single individual or married couple, understanding tax brackets and rates can help you better plan and avoid surprises. In this article, we’ll break down the 2024 tax brackets, explain the difference between marginal tax rate and effective tax rate, and share tips to help you optimize your tax planning.
If you’ve ever had health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, there’s an important piece of paperwork you can’t overlook when it’s time to file your taxes: IRS Form 1095-A. Let’s dive into what this form is, why it matters, and how to get it, so you can avoid any tax season headaches.
Navigating taxes as a rideshare or delivery driver can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the gig economy. Whether you drive for Uber, Lyft, DoorDash, Grubhub, or similar platforms, understanding the tax process is crucial to maximizing your income and avoiding costly mistakes. In this guide, we'll break down the essentials you need to know for filing your taxes as a rideshare or delivery driver.
WHERE TO FIND US
Arch Tax Company, Inc.
1 East Erie Street, Suite 525-5358
Chicago, IL 60611
1704 Broadway, Suite 105
Cape Girardeau, MO, 63701
27027 Route 3
Olive Branch, IL, 62969
CONTACT
+1 (844) 556-3073
info@archtaxco.com
