Mr. and Mrs. Petersen filed a joint tax return in 2017. The couple divorced in 2018.

The IRS audited their 2017 return during 2017 and determined that the Petersen's had underpaid their 2015 tax by $38,200.

Which of the following statements is true?

		The IRS must assess whichever spouse actually prepared the 2015 return for the entire deficiency.
		Because the couple is divorced, the IRS must assess Mr. Petersen with a $19,100 deficiency and Mrs. Petersen with a $19,100 deficiency.
		Because the couple is divorced, the IRS must apportion the deficiency between Mr. and Mrs. Petersen based on their relative contribution to their 2015 taxable income.
		The IRS can assess either Mr. Petersen or Mrs. Petersen for the entire deficiency.

Answer rating: 100% (QA)

If taxes have been underpaid it wont matter to the IRS who is responsible If the re... View the full answer