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I have written before about my experiences with the Innocent Spouse relief program with the IRS.  I have now received refunds for all of the years in question (I cried when each check came in).  They have asked me to complete a survey about my experiences with the program.  I am also sending this letter to show them the more personal side of their impact.

March 25, 2012

Dave Alito

Director, Compliance

Wage and Investment Division

I received the request for completing a survey about my experiences with the Innocent Spouse claim procedure.  I will be happy to fill this out; however, I also wanted to write a letter expressing more fully my experience with the process.

First, a little background on my story: In 2009, my partner of 16 years abruptly abandoned me with a text message.  He took all of the financial documents with him, which prompted me to dig into internet resources (he changed the passwords on all of the accounts), which indicated that he had been hiding major financial deceptions.  He then went on to commit felony bigamy within a week of leaving me.

Needless to say, I was devastated.  I lost everything: my husband, my dogs, my money, my home in one small text.  I held out hope that the legal system would allow some sort of justice.  They did not.  In the criminal trial, he was granted a diversion and was never held to the criteria of the judgment.  In the divorce case, he was ordered to remove my name from the mortgage and pay me back for taxes, attorneys, and some other expenses.  That never happened and the courts offered no support.  I felt like I was twice victimized; once by my husband and again by the legal system.  It was a frustrating and powerless feeling.

When I filed for Innocent Spouse relief, I held no real hope.  I expected this to go the way of the courts.  The day that I received the first letter that my claim was accepted was a huge turning point for me.  I felt validated, and as though I had regained some control over my life.  For the first time in the entire experience, I felt as though he would have to face the consequences of his actions.

The money I was refunded has allowed me a little more cushion as I struggle to rebuild my financial well-being.  Even more importantly; however, are the emotional funds I received that have helped me to no longer be a victim.  I want to thank the people involved in my case who saw through to his deceptions and gave me hope for my future.

Sincerely,

Lisa Arends

Maybe I should include the IRS in my Christmas letter list?  Oh, wait.  I never send Christmas cards…

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