Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)
Page 6
Note. If you need more room to write your answer for any question, attach more pages. Be sure to write your name and social security
number on the top of all pages you attach.
Part V Complete this part if you were (or are now) a victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse
As stated in line 8, providing this additional information is not mandatory but may strengthen your request. Additionally, if you prefer to provide this
information orally, check the "Yes" box on line 10.
If you were (or are now) a victim of domestic violence or spousal abuse by the person on line 5, the IRS will consider the information you provide in
this part to determine whether to grant innocent spouse relief. However, the IRS is required by law to notify the person on line 5 that you requested
this relief. There are no exceptions to this rule. That person will have the opportunity to participate in the process by completing a questionnaire about
the tax years you entered on line 3. This will be done before the IRS issues preliminary and final determination letters. However, the IRS is also
required by law to keep all the personal identifying information (such as current names, addresses, and employment-related information) of both you
and the person on line 5 confidential. This means that the IRS cannot disclose one person's information to the other person. If the IRS does not grant
you relief and you choose to petition the Tax Court, your personal identifying information is available, unless you ask the Tax Court to withhold it.
The person on line 5 will receive a questionnaire about the tax years you entered on line 3. Except for your current name, address, phone numbers,
and employer, this form and any attachments could be disclosed to the person on line 5. If you have any privacy concerns, see instructions.
The IRS understands and is sensitive to the effects of domestic violence and spousal abuse, and encourages victims of domestic violence to call 911
if they are in immediate danger. If you have concerns about your safety, please consider contacting the 24-Hour (Confidential) National Domestic
Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or 1-800-787-3224 (TTY), or 1-855-812-1001 (Video Phone Only for Deaf Callers) before you file this form.
A representative from the IRS may call you to gather more information and discuss your request. Be sure you enter your correct contact information
on line 4.
24a
During any of the tax years for which you are seeking relief or when any of the returns were filed for those years, did the person on line 5 do
any of the following? Check all that apply. (Note. If this does not apply to you, skip lines 24a, b, and c, and complete lines 25 through 29.)
Physically harm or threaten you, your children, or other members of your family.
Sexually abuse you, your children, or other members of your family.
Make you afraid to disagree with him/her.
Criticize or insult you or frequently put you down.
Withhold money for food, clothing, or other basic needs.
Make most or all the decisions for you, including financial decisions.
Restrict or control who you could see or talk to or where you could go.
Isolate you or keep you from contacting your family members and/or friends.
Cause you to fear for your safety in any other way.
Stalk you, your children, or other members of your family.
Abuse alcohol or drugs.
b
Describe the abuse you experienced, including approximately when it began and how it may have affected you, your children, or
other members of your family. Explain how this abuse affected your ability to question the reporting of items on your tax return or
the payment of the tax due on your return.
c Attach photocopies of any documentation you have, such as:
• Protection and/or restraining order.
• Police reports.
• Medical records.
• Doctor's report or letter.
• Injury photographs.
• A statement from someone who was aware of or witnessed the
abuse or the results of the abuse (notarized if possible).
• Any other documentation you may have.
25 Are you afraid of the person listed on line 5?
Yes
No
26 Does the person listed on line 5 pose a danger to you
, your children, or other members of your family?
Yes No
27 Were the police, sheriff, or other law enforcement ever called?
Yes
No
28 Was the person listed on line 5 charged or arrested for abusing you
, your children, or other members of your family
?
Yes. Provide details below.
No
29 Have you sought help from a local domestic violence program?
Yes. Provide details below.
No
Form 8857 (Rev. 1-2014)