Monthly Member Meeting | Innocent Spouse Relief: How to Protect Clients from a Spouse’s(ex) Tax Mistakes

Divorce often uncovers more than just emotional and financial entanglements-it can also reveal unexpected tax liabilities.  As a Tax Resolution Specialist, I help individuals navigate complex IRS challenges caused by a current or former spouse.  In this session, we’ll dive into the critical protections available through Innocent Spouse Relief, Injured Spouse Relief, and Equitable Relief, including how these tools can shield your clients from tax debts they didn’t create or weren’t aware of.

But what happens when a client doesn’t qualify for these forms of relief?  This presentation will also cover practical alternatives such as Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreements, Partial Pay Installments, Penalty Abatement, and assistance with unfiled returns.  You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how tax resolution intersects with divorce, and how working with a tax specialist can help your clients achieve true financial closure.

Whether you’re a family law attorney, divorce coach or financial advisor, this session will equip you with strategies to protect your clients from unfair tax burdens-and give them the peace of mind they deserve.

Key Takeaways:

• Learn the difference between Innocent Spouse, Injured Spouse, and Equitable Relief-and when each applies.
• Understand the eligibility requirements and IRS criteria for each form of relief.
• Discover what options are available when none of these reliefs apply.
• Explore IRS programs like Offer in Compromise, Installment Agreements, and Penalty Abatement.
• Know when and how to bring in a tax resolution specialist to protect your client’s financial futures.

Speaker Bio: 

Fabian Paul Cruz is a nationally recognized Tax Resolution Specialist who helps individuals and business owners navigate and resolve serious IRS and state tax issues.  He is a member of the American Society of Tax Problem Solvers, a Certified Divorce Specialist through the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP), and a Main Street Tax Professional trained under Mark J. Kohler & Associates.

Fabian brings a unique blend of technical expertise and empathy to his work, especially when tax issues arise during divorce.  He specializes in Innocent Spouse Relief, Offer in Compromise, and penalty abatement-giving clients a path forward when tax burdens feel overwhelming.  As the founder of CITO Tax Resolution, Fabian’s mission is simple: to help pe