Family Law News

Innocent Spouse Relief Granted

April 17, 2007
By: Brian C. Vertz

TaxProf Blog reports on a Tax Court decision in which the former wife of an accountant won equitable relief from joint and several liability under section 6015(f) of the Internal Revenue Code. The former wife credibly testified that she relied on her husband’s expertise in preparing joint tax returns throughout the marriage. She did not review the returns or even fill in the date next to her signature. Years later, when the parties were in marital counseling with a clergyman, the husband confessed that he had filed fraudulent joint tax returns but failed to mail the confession that he told them he would send to the IRS. The Tax Court credited the former wife’s testimony and overruled the Commissioner’s refusal to grant innocent spouse relief.

About the Author

Brian C. Vertz

With an MBA and more than two decades of experience handling complex financial affairs, Partner Brian C. Vertz excels at cases involving assessment of personal assets including premarital wealth and trusts, valuation of closely held businesses, executive compensation, medical and dental practices, and complex child support litigation. Brian was selected as the Pittsburgh 2019 Lawyer of the Year for family law through The Best Lawyers in America peer review process.