ebotCPA — The Entrepreneur's CPA

    You face tax debt from a joint return

    We review joint-return liability and whether a spousal relief request fits your circumstances. The IRS decides whether relief is available.

    How it works

    1. 1

      Review the joint return and notices

      We identify the disputed items, collection dates and your relationship circumstances.

    2. 2

      Compare the relief provisions

      We review knowledge, household arrangements, hardship and supporting records.

    3. 3

      Prepare the appropriate request

      We document the supported grounds and explain the IRS response and review options.

    Which sounds like you?

    A joint return understated the tax

    We identify the items that produced the disputed balance.

    You did not know about the error

    We review what you knew and what the records show.

    Your spouse controlled the finances

    We review access to records and other relevant circumstances.

    You are divorced or separated

    We examine whether the separation-of-liability rules may apply.

    What we do

    Innocent spouse relief

    IRC § 6015(b) provides a possible route for taxpayers facing an understatement attributable to a spouse's erroneous items. • Review the joint return and the understated tax. • Document whether you knew or had reason to know of the understatement. • Explain why holding you liable would be inequitable. • Check the generally applicable 2-year period after the IRS first begins collection activity against you. • Prepare Form 8857 with the relevant evidence when this request is supported. You receive a documented assessment of the grounds and filing requirements.

    Separation of liability

    IRC § 6015(c) may allocate an understatement between qualifying former or separated spouses. • Check divorce, legal separation or separate-household eligibility. • Review the 12-month household rule before the request. • Allocate the disputed return items to the appropriate spouse. • Review actual knowledge of an item, which can prevent relief. • Check the generally applicable 2-year election period after collection begins. You receive the proposed allocation and the records supporting the request.

    Equitable relief and refund allocation

    Equitable relief considers fairness when other spousal relief does not apply, while injured-spouse allocation concerns an offset joint refund. • Evaluate IRC § 6015(f) and the factors in Rev. Proc. 2013-34. • Review economic hardship, abuse and the surrounding circumstances. • Check the 10-year collection period or applicable refund claim period. • Use Form 8857 for a request involving joint tax liability. • Distinguish Form 8379, which requests allocation of a refund offset for a spouse's separate debts. You receive an explanation of the applicable request and its supporting evidence.

    What is included

    The engagement defines the spousal relief review and any agreed administrative request; the IRS decides whether to grant it. • Review notices, returns and relevant household records. • Identify the applicable relief provision and response dates. • Prepare the agreed request and supporting explanation. • Review the decision and any available appeal rights. You receive the written scope, request documents and decision summary.

    Client perspective

    Proof from Google reviews

    5.0 average · 105 Google reviews · ebotCPA, Irving, TX

    Read all reviews

    “EbotCPA made filing my taxes so much easier than I expected! They explained everything in a way that was easy to understand, caught deductions I didn't even know I qualified for, and made the whole process stress-free. Super responsive.”

    Harrison NdetanTax Preparation · Google

    “Working with Mr. Ebot has been an absolute pleasure. He is highly knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and makes the tax process simple and stress-free. His professionalism, responsiveness, and genuine care for his clients really set him apart.”

    Ndohnwi MomaTax Strategy & Planning · Google

    Published pricing

    These are the current published fees from our service catalog. We confirm final scope and any quoted add-ons in writing before work starts. The $97 Notice Review is credited toward the $497 Case Analysis. Fixed fees, confirmed in writing before work begins. Not a guarantee of any IRS outcome. We never charge a percentage of tax saved.

    Free Notice Decoder / free path

    The free decoder explains your notice from its type and date. No documents are uploaded at the free step.

    Free

    Notice Review

    Send us your IRS notice along with your own transcripts. We tell you what the notice is, what it means, and what the issues appear to be at a high level. This is information, not tax advice.

    $97

    Case Analysis

    We pull your transcripts, analyze your whole situation, and give you a written do-it-yourself plan.

    $497

    Representation

    Power of attorney (Form 2848) and we represent you before the IRS. Flat $1,000.

    $1,000

    Resolution work

    Final scope depends on work type and amount owed.

    Fixed by work type and amount owed

    Common questions

    What happens before innocent & injured spouse relief work begins?

    We discuss your goals and records, confirm the engagement scope and fee in writing, and identify deadlines before substantive work starts.

    How do you determine the fee?

    Current catalog amounts and quote terms are listed in Published pricing above. We confirm the agreed work, responsibilities, and any quoted scope in writing before engagement.

    What records should I prepare?

    The records depend on your situation. We provide a focused request list after confirming the work and reporting period.

    Authority and standards
    • IRC § 6015 · Relief from Joint and Several LiabilityPrimary statutory authority for all innocent spouse relief
    • IRM 25.15 · Relief from Joint and Several LiabilityIRS procedures for processing innocent spouse claims
    • Rev. Proc. 2013-34 · Equitable Relief GuidelinesFactors IRS considers for equitable relief under § 6015(f)
    • Form 8857 · Request for Innocent Spouse ReliefOfficial form to request relief from joint liability

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