spouse filed ammended tax return without my knowledge

[karategirl5]

In 2005, I was married and filed a joint tax return with my then-spouse in sheboygan county, WI. This past June my spouse (now ex-spouse) was found guilty of: Theft-Business Setting >$10,000, a class G felony, Wisconsin Statutes 943.20(1)(b). Because of this he filed an ammended tax return for the 2005 tax year, but did not consult me, or get my signature on the tax form. I have recieved from the IRS a letter stating that I am jointly responsible for the past due tax amount. Since we originally filed a joint tax return for 2005, I can see that the IRS would have my information for that tax year, but we were divorced in 2006. Am I responsible for this monitary amount? Do I have to sign the "Statement by Individuals or Sole Proprieters" sent to me from the IRS?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

I don't know the details but I am guessing that, at least to the IRS, you are liable since your name is on the return as a joint signator. Getting back the money may require you to seek it from your ex-husband. The IRS just wants its money and it will seek to get it the same way joint credit card holders are sought by credit card companies.