I just got my first IRS collection letter on a joint return problem. Does that start the two-year Form 8857 clock?
I am originally from India and filed a joint return with my former spouse while we were still together. The balance due was tied mostly to her business income, and I recently received the first IRS collection notice addressed to me. The amount is about $27,000 with penalties and interest.
People keep warning me about a two-year deadline for innocent spouse relief, but the part I do not understand is what counts as the starting event. If the first formal collection letter really starts the clock, I do not want to lose the filing window by hesitating.
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