Innocent Spouse Relief: Understanding Your Options

When married taxpayers file a joint tax return, both spouses are generally responsible for the tax, interest, and penalties owed. However, in certain circumstances, the IRS may provide relief to a spouse who should not be held responsible for some or all of the liability.

Innocent Spouse Relief may be available when additional tax is owed because one spouse failed to report income or incorrectly reported deductions, credits, or other items. Other forms of relief, including separation of liability and equitable relief, may also be available depending on the circumstances.

Eligibility requirements and deadlines vary, making it important to address potential innocent spouse issues promptly.

At Wilson Tax Law Group, we assist taxpayers with innocent spouse claims and other federal and state tax controversies. If you are facing tax liability from a joint return that you believe should be attributed to your current or former spouse, contact our office to discuss your options.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense. Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board. Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC, is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney, accountant or financial advisor for specific guidance related to your circumstances.

Can IRS Tax Debt Affect Your Passport?

Serious federal tax debt can create problems beyond IRS collection notices—it may even affect your ability to obtain or keep a U.S. passport.

When certain unpaid federal tax debt meets the requirements for certification as seriously delinquent tax debt, the IRS may certify the debt to the State Department. This can result in the denial of a passport application or renewal and, in some circumstances, action involving an existing passport.

The good news is that taxpayers may have options. Depending on the circumstances, entering into an installment agreement, pursuing an Offer in Compromise, or challenging an incorrect certification may help resolve the issue.

If unresolved tax debt is affecting your passport or international travel plans, Wilson Tax Law Group can help evaluate your case and available options.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense. Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board. Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC, is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney, accountant or financial advisor for specific guidance related to your circumstances.

Wilson Tax Law Group - Labor Day Office Closure

In observance of Labor Day, Wilson Tax Law Group will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, 2026 during our regular business hours.

We wish our clients, colleagues, and community a safe and enjoyable Labor Day!

Hidden Risks of California Sales Taxes

Many California business owners assume that filing sales tax returns and making payments means they are fully compliant. Unfortunately, sales tax mistakes often go unnoticed until a CDTFA audit.

Common problems include applying the wrong tax rate, misclassifying taxable sales, or failing to maintain proper resale certificates. Over time, even small errors can result in significant tax assessments, penalties, and interest.

In some situations, unpaid sales tax can even lead to personal liability for business owners or other responsible individuals.

Understanding your sales tax obligations—and addressing CDTFA issues early—can help prevent a costly problem from becoming much bigger.

Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC is a boutique Orange County tax controversy law firm that specializes in representation of individuals and businesses before federal and state tax authorities with audits, appeals, FBAR, offshore compliance, litigation and criminal defense. Firm founder, Joseph P. Wilson, is a former Federal tax prosecutor and trial attorney for the IRS and California Franchise Tax Board. Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC, is comprised of former IRS litigators & Special Agents, and Assistant US Attorneys from the US Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, Tax Division, which at the time handled both civil tax lawsuits and criminal tax prosecutions on behalf of the United States of America.

For further information, or to arrange a consultation please contact: Wilson Tax Law Group, APLC Tel: (949) 397-2292 (Newport Beach Office) Tel: (714) 463-4430 (Yorba Linda Office)

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified attorney, accountant or financial advisor for specific guidance related to your circumstances.