Issue with taxes
Hi! I'm just putting this out there to see if anyone has ever had a similar experience, and could offer any suggestions.....
My DH just found out that when he was married to his exW she/they did not file state taxes for 2016, the last year they were married. They used an online tax prep site, and it was under her email address, so he can not access it that way. The state tax agency has been no help, except to say they did not receive anything that year, but had in all previous years, and since than as well. This is causing issues for my DH at work as he holds state certifications and licenses for his job, and they are now holding them because of this.
He contacted BM who stated that she did file, but does not have any of the information anymore because she has moved several time since than and lost the paperwork. She also stated she can not log onto the tax prep website anymore either.
DH is going to contact an Accountant to see what he can do, but I wanted to ask on here to see if anyone had any advice.
Thanks :)
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State or Fed?
I know I had to file Innocent Spouse Relief for Chef when the Girhippo "accidentally forgot" to report that she had drained all three skids college accounts before the ink was dry on the divorce papers. And then she wanted to stick Chef with taxes and penalties when she had her "wonderful accountant friend" do her last joint return.
State. Federal was filed.
State. Federal was filed.
My only assumption was they were getting a refund from Federal but owed on State so she "forgot" to file it....idk.
I had to file innocent spouse
I had to file innocent spouse as well. Saved me a tremendous amount of headache. Your accountant/tax person can manage this for you.
He should be able to take the
He should be able to take the info from his 2016 federal1040 and transfer that to whichever state 2016 form in order to file.
Several of the online tax services offer prior years, several years back, for a small fee (under $20). He may also be able to get a 2016 form online or worst case scenario order it from the state. And then of course you have the whole whether or not BM will comply and sign situation to address.
The downside will be what taxes were owed and any penalties for late payment. If the situation is holding up his licensure for employment I would suggest he handle it himself now and deal with recouping funds from BM later.
I imagine the tax owed and penalties are not significant or the state would have attempted a lien on property. So that's good news.
Hopefully BM is cooperative and the balance due isn't significantly damaging to you guys.
One more thing. If she can
One more thing. If she can no longer log in to the prep site they all have means to update outdated information- if an email address is no longer in use or a validating phone number has changed.
They also all have a forgot your ID/forgot your password solution.
I think BM is likely pulling the wool over DHs eyes. She either didn't bother to look and just said she can't log in anymore or she isn't being forthcoming for (insert whatever inane reason here).
Still, I'd have DH cover as much as he can without her, get her signature and then deal with the money later.
find a CPA
Have DH find a Certified Accountant, not a place that is only open 4 months out of the year. It may cost more, but will be worth it as they will keep copies of everything and work on an appeal or audit if needed.
A certified accountant (CPA)
A certified accountant (CPA) can deal with this. They can get a copy of the federal return and use it to file. He may be able to file without the ex if he can file the state return as married filing separately.
But, since certifications are involved, he might want to consider a tax attorney. A little more expensive than a CPA, but may be able to expedite the correction of the certification issue too.
Either way, I wouldn't try to fix this without a competent professional.