[SamC.]

Pelican Clan, looking for some advice/counsel to pass along to a family member.


The family member received a notice last week from a IRS collection agency for unpaid taxes from 2013. The $450.00 tax bill has turned into a $6,000.00 bill - $450.00 plus $5,500 in "fees". This is the first knowledge that family member has received of the unpaid tax bill.

Backstory: Family member was married and legally separated, pending divorce during the period in question. Apparently, the soon-to-be ex spouse filed a joint return. Family member had zero knowledge of this until the mailed notice arrives.

As best I can tell (from IRS website), the only recourse the FM has here is claiming no knowledge of the joint return.

So, there's the basics. Any advice/knowledge from the Pelican clan would be most appreciated.

Semper Gumby.

Sam