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3 replies

Alumni - Champ
June 5, 2019
TT Free does not include phone support. What exactly do you need to know?
Level 2
June 5, 2019
My husband's student loan defaulted before we even got married, a fact I didn't find out until after. I tried filing my taxes separately but I won't be able to get my tax credits including having my own as a dependent unless I file jointly. Problem is, the government wants both our refunds to pay my husbands defaulted loan. Can filing an injured spouse form help me save my half and how do I file it?
Employee Tax Expert
June 5, 2019

Yes, filing the injured spouse form along with your joint tax return will protect your share of the tax refund from being seized to pay your spouse’s previous debt. 

Filling out this form can be confusing.  Here are some tips to help you along the way.  Also, at the bottom of this answer will be instructions about how to go to the correct section of your tax return to complete the form. 

There are a couple of things to note when filling out the injured spouse form.  If some of the boxes were not checked, then TurboTax will state you are not eligible to file the form.

Pay close attention to each screen in the process to be sure you are answering questions about Injured Spouse, not Innocent Spouse. 

On the screen titled “Tell Us More About Your Situation” at least 3 boxes must be checked to qualify to file the Injured Spouse form.

  • The box “I filed (or will file) a joint return with my spouse (or former spouse)” must be checked.

  • The box “I am not required to pay the past-due amount” must be checked. 

  • Additionally, at least one more box must be checked to indicate the type of debt that your tax refund will be used to pay. 

Please see the picture below as a reference. 

For more information and instructions from the IRS regarding the Injured Spouse Form 8379, click here.

Also, see below for information about how to complete the Injured Spouse form within TurboTax.

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/3326788


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