Discovered spouse forged my signature on tax returns & refund checks during divorce - what legal options do I have?

Yes, this is absolutely concerning behavior and potentially fraudulent. When you file a joint tax return, both spouses must sign unless one spouse authorizes the other to sign on their behalf. Forging a signature on tax documents and government checks is illegal. You have several options to address this situation: You can report this to the IRS by filing Form 14157 (Complaint: Tax Return Preparer) and possibly Form 3949-A (Information Referral) to report the suspected fraud. The IRS takes these matters seriously, especially when identity theft and forgery are involved. For the Medicaid fraud, that should be reported to your state's Medicaid fraud control unit. That's a separate but equally serious issue. Since you're already in divorce proceedings, make sure your attorney knows about this situation immediately. They can help ensure these fraudulent activities are properly addressed in your settlement and potentially refer you to a tax attorney if needed. You may also want to consider filing for innocent spouse relief with the IRS using Form 8857, which could protect you from tax liabilities resulting from your ex's actions.

I had a similar situation with my ex forging my signature on tax documents. I tried handling it myself at first but eventually found taxr.ai (https://taxr.ai) which really saved me. They analyzed all our past tax returns and identified exactly which ones had issues with forgery and improper deductions. Their document analysis pinpointed years where my signature was forged versus properly authorized, and they helped me build a case for innocent spouse relief. They even found inconsistencies in reported income that I hadn't noticed. The detailed report they generated was extremely helpful when I met with the IRS and during my divorce proceedings.

I was skeptical about taxr.ai at first, but after my divorce attorney suggested I needed professional help with the tax issues, I decided to give them a try. It was actually really impressive what they found. Not only did they confirm my ex had forged my signature on 3 years of returns, but they also discovered he'd been claiming business deductions for a "consulting business" I knew nothing about. The report was super detailed and even flagged that he'd been routing portions of our refunds to an account I didn't know existed. My divorce attorney was able to use their documentation to strengthen our case, and it helped tremendously with my innocent spouse relief application. Honestly wish I'd known about this service years ago before things got so messy.

You absolutely need to get the IRS involved, but trying to reach them can be a nightmare. After my ex did something similar, I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at the IRS who could help. Always busy signals or being put on hold for hours only to get disconnected. I finally found Claimyr (https://claimyr.com) and it was a game-changer. They got me connected to an actual IRS agent within 45 minutes instead of waiting days or weeks. You can see how it works in this video: https://youtu.be/_kiP6q8DX5c The IRS agent I spoke with immediately put a flag on our filing status so my ex couldn't file fraudulent returns anymore, and they guided me through the innocent spouse relief process. Having that direct conversation with the IRS made all the difference in protecting myself.

I have to publicly eat my words. After posting my skeptical comment yesterday, I was still stuck with my IRS issue and desperate, so I decided to try Claimyr despite my doubts. I'm honestly shocked - they got me through to an IRS representative in 37 minutes this morning after I'd been trying unsuccessfully for MONTHS. The agent I spoke with was able to see that my ex had been filing returns with forged signatures for years and immediately helped me start the process of protecting myself. The IRS is now investigating him separately, and I've been given guidance on how to properly file my returns going forward. Saved me so much stress and potentially thousands in incorrectly assessed taxes. Sometimes being wrong feels pretty good!

Everyone's talking about the tax fraud but don't forget about the Medicaid fraud! That's a huge deal and can involve state criminal charges. My sister works for our state's Medicaid office and says they take this very seriously. Make sure you report this to your state's Medicaid fraud control unit - you can usually find them by googling "[your state] Medicaid fraud report". They have investigators who specifically handle cases where people misrepresent their income to qualify. You should also protect yourself by making it clear you weren't aware of these applications. Your soon-to-be-ex could be facing some serious consequences beyond just the tax issues.

Just want to add - make sure you pull your credit reports ASAP from all three bureaus. When my ex was forging my signature on tax docs, he was also opening credit cards in my name. The behavior often doesn't stop at just tax fraud. You can get free weekly reports from annualcreditreport.com (the official site authorized by federal law). If you see anything suspicious, immediately dispute it and consider placing a credit freeze.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - what a betrayal on top of an already difficult divorce. This is definitely fraud, and you have multiple avenues to pursue. For immediate protection, I'd recommend: 1. Contact the IRS Taxpayer Advocate Service (1-877-777-4778) - they can help coordinate your case across different IRS departments and ensure you're protected while investigations proceed. 2. File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS to establish that your identity was stolen for tax purposes. This creates an official record that someone else was filing with your information. 3. Request transcripts of all your past tax returns from the IRS using Form 4506-T so you can see exactly what was filed in your name. Since you're in divorce proceedings, your attorney should definitely know about this immediately. They may want to subpoena banking records to trace where those refund checks went, which could impact your property division. The fact that he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 taxes shows he knows what he was doing was wrong. Document everything and keep copies of all communications. This level of deception suggests there may be other financial surprises hiding. Stay strong - you're taking the right steps to protect yourself and your child's future.

This is absolutely devastating and I'm so sorry you're dealing with this betrayal during an already difficult time. What your ex did constitutes multiple federal crimes - signature forgery on tax documents, check fraud, and potentially wire fraud if he deposited those checks electronically. Beyond the excellent advice already given about IRS forms and innocent spouse relief, I'd strongly recommend documenting everything chronologically. Create a timeline of when you asked about taxes, what his responses were, and any evidence you have of being deliberately kept in the dark. This pattern of deception will be crucial for both your divorce proceedings and any criminal referrals. Also consider requesting a fraud alert be placed on your Social Security number through the Social Security Administration. If he was comfortable forging your signature on tax documents, he may have used your SSN for other fraudulent purposes. One thing that might help immediately - ask your divorce attorney about requesting an emergency court order requiring your ex to provide banking records showing where all tax refunds were deposited. This could reveal additional hidden assets or fraudulent activity that impacts your settlement. The silver lining is that his pattern of financial deception will likely work strongly in your favor during divorce proceedings. Courts don't look kindly on spouses who commit fraud and hide assets. Stay strong and keep fighting for what's rightfully yours.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - discovering financial fraud during a divorce is incredibly traumatic. You've received excellent advice here, and I want to emphasize a few key points: First, yes, this is absolutely tax fraud. Forging someone's signature on federal tax documents is a serious federal crime, as is fraudulently endorsing and depositing Treasury checks. The fact that he kept you in the dark about refunds while you were legally entitled to that money makes this even worse. Beyond the forms others have mentioned (8857 for innocent spouse relief, 14039 for identity theft), I'd also recommend filing Form 911 to request Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance. They can help coordinate your case across different IRS departments and provide an advocate who will work specifically on your behalf. For the Medicaid fraud, document any conversations where he discussed healthcare coverage or finances. If you have text messages, emails, or witnesses who can confirm you weren't aware of these applications, gather that evidence now. Most importantly, please don't blame yourself for not pushing harder about the taxes. Financial abusers are skilled at deflection and creating situations where questioning them feels uncomfortable or futile. You trusted your spouse - that's normal and healthy behavior in a marriage. Your ex's sudden switch to using an accountant for 2023 taxes is actually great evidence that he knew his previous behavior was wrong. An honest person doesn't suddenly feel the need for professional help unless they were cutting corners before. Stay strong - you're taking all the right steps to protect yourself and your child.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this betrayal during an already difficult time. What you've described is absolutely tax fraud and identity theft - forging signatures on federal tax documents and Treasury checks are serious federal crimes. Here's what I'd recommend as immediate next steps: 1. **Secure your identity**: Place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus and request an IRS Identity Protection PIN to prevent future fraudulent filings in your name. 2. **Document everything**: Create a detailed timeline of every conversation about taxes, including his evasive responses. This pattern of deception will be crucial evidence. 3. **File the right forms**: Submit Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit), Form 8857 (Innocent Spouse Relief), and Form 911 (Taxpayer Advocate Service Request) with the IRS. The Taxpayer Advocate can help coordinate your case across departments. 4. **Get tax transcripts**: Use Form 4506-T to request official transcripts of all returns filed in your name so you can see exactly what was submitted. 5. **Report Medicaid fraud**: Contact your state's Medicaid fraud control unit immediately. Make it clear you had no knowledge of these applications. 6. **Inform your divorce attorney**: They need to know about this pattern of financial deception, as it could significantly impact your settlement and they may want to subpoena banking records to trace those refund deposits. The fact that he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 taxes shows he knows his previous actions were wrong. You have strong grounds for innocent spouse relief given the documented pattern of keeping you in the dark about your own tax obligations. Don't blame yourself for trusting your spouse - that's normal in a marriage. You're taking all the right steps now to protect yourself and your child's future.

I'm so sorry you're going through this devastating betrayal on top of an already difficult divorce. What your husband did absolutely constitutes multiple federal crimes - signature forgery on tax documents, fraudulent endorsement of Treasury checks, and identity theft. The advice you've received here is excellent, but I want to emphasize one additional step: consider requesting copies of the actual tax returns and refund checks from the IRS. You can use Form 4506 to get copies of the actual documents filed, not just transcripts. Having physical copies showing the forged signatures could be powerful evidence for both criminal referrals and your divorce proceedings. Also, when you contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service, specifically mention that this involves domestic abuse through financial fraud. They have special protocols for cases involving spousal abuse and can provide additional protections during their investigation. For your divorce, make sure your attorney knows that financial crimes were committed during the marriage. This could impact spousal support calculations and asset division - courts often award larger shares to the victim of financial fraud. One more thing - if you have any joint bank accounts, consider closing them immediately after consulting with your attorney. If he was comfortable depositing fraudulent refund checks, he might attempt other unauthorized transactions. You're being incredibly strong by taking action to protect yourself and your child. This pattern of deception will likely work in your favor both legally and in divorce court. Don't let his sudden "legitimate" behavior for 2023 taxes fool anyone - it's just evidence that he knew what he was doing was wrong all along.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this betrayal during such a difficult time. What you've described is absolutely serious federal tax fraud - forging signatures on tax documents and Treasury checks are felony offenses that the IRS takes very seriously. Here are some immediate steps I'd recommend: **Protect yourself first:** File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS immediately to establish that your identity was stolen for tax purposes. Also request an IRS Identity Protection PIN online to prevent future fraudulent filings in your name. **Gather evidence:** Request copies of all tax returns filed in your name using Form 4506 (not just transcripts - actual copies showing the forged signatures). Document every conversation where he was evasive about taxes. This pattern of deception will be crucial evidence. **File for protection:** Submit Form 8857 for Innocent Spouse Relief. Given that he deliberately kept you in the dark and forged your signature, you have a strong case. Also file Form 911 to request Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance - they can coordinate your case across IRS departments. **Criminal reporting:** Report the Medicaid fraud to your state's fraud control unit. Make it clear you had no knowledge of these applications. **Divorce implications:** Make sure your attorney knows about this immediately. Courts don't look kindly on spouses who commit financial crimes, and this could significantly impact your settlement in your favor. The fact that he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 taxes is actually evidence that he knew his previous behavior was illegal. You're taking all the right steps - stay strong!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - discovering financial fraud during a divorce is absolutely devastating. What your ex did is definitely serious federal tax fraud, and you have every right to pursue legal action. One thing I want to add that hasn't been mentioned yet - make sure you also file a police report for the check fraud. When he forged your signature on those Treasury refund checks, that's a separate criminal offense from the tax fraud itself. Having a police report on file creates an official record and may be required by your bank if you need to dispute any deposits or transactions. Also, consider reaching out to your state's Attorney General's office. Many states have consumer protection divisions that handle identity theft and financial fraud cases, and they can sometimes coordinate with federal agencies like the IRS to ensure your case gets proper attention. The most important thing right now is protecting yourself going forward. Change passwords on any shared financial accounts, monitor your credit reports weekly, and make sure all mail is being sent to a secure address he can't access. You trusted your spouse with shared financial responsibilities - that's completely normal in a marriage. The fact that he systematically betrayed that trust while committing multiple crimes says everything about his character and nothing about your judgment. Stay strong and keep fighting for what's rightfully yours!

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this betrayal during an already difficult divorce. What you've discovered absolutely constitutes tax fraud and identity theft - forging signatures on federal tax documents and Treasury checks are serious federal crimes. As others have mentioned, you should definitely file for innocent spouse relief using Form 8857, but I also want to suggest documenting absolutely everything in writing. Keep records of every conversation where he was evasive about taxes, any emails or texts related to your financial situation, and create a timeline showing his pattern of deception. Since you mentioned he's suddenly using an accountant for 2023 taxes "because divorce attorneys will be reviewing documentation," that's actually strong evidence that he knew his previous behavior was wrong. An honest person doesn't suddenly need professional help unless they were cutting corners before. One practical tip - make sure you request an IRS Identity Protection PIN immediately to prevent him from filing any future fraudulent returns in your name. You can do this online through the IRS website. Please don't blame yourself for not pushing harder about the taxes. Financial abusers are skilled at deflection and making their victims feel like questioning them is inappropriate. You trusted your spouse about shared financial obligations - that's completely normal and healthy behavior in a marriage. Stay strong - the fact that you're taking action now shows incredible courage, and this pattern of financial deception will likely work strongly in your favor during divorce proceedings.

I'm so sorry you're going through this devastating situation. What you've described is absolutely tax fraud and identity theft - forging signatures on federal documents and Treasury checks are serious federal crimes that carry significant penalties. Based on what you've shared, here are the key steps I'd recommend: **Immediate protection:** File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS and get an Identity Protection PIN to prevent future fraudulent filings. Also place fraud alerts with all three credit bureaus. **Gather evidence:** Request actual copies (not just transcripts) of all tax returns filed in your name using Form 4506. These will show the forged signatures. Document every conversation where he was evasive about taxes - this pattern of deception is crucial evidence. **File for relief:** Submit Form 8857 for Innocent Spouse Relief. Given the documented forgery and deliberate concealment, you have a very strong case. Also file Form 911 to request Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance. **Report all fraud:** Contact your state's Medicaid fraud control unit about the healthcare fraud. File a police report for the check fraud as well - forging Treasury checks is a separate criminal offense. **Divorce strategy:** Make sure your attorney knows immediately. This financial criminality could significantly impact asset division and spousal support in your favor. The fact that he suddenly hired an accountant for 2023 taxes is actually evidence that he knew his previous actions were illegal. You're taking exactly the right steps to protect yourself and your child. Don't blame yourself for trusting your spouse - that's normal in a healthy marriage. He's the one who chose to betray that trust and commit federal crimes. Stay strong - you've got this!

I'm so sorry you're going through this terrible situation. What you've described is absolutely tax fraud, identity theft, and potentially wire fraud - these are serious federal crimes that the IRS prosecutes aggressively. The pattern you've described - being kept in the dark about tax returns, forged signatures, hidden refunds - is textbook financial abuse. You have strong grounds for multiple types of relief and protection. Here's what I'd prioritize immediately: **Document everything now:** Create a detailed timeline of every conversation about taxes where he was evasive or deflective. Save any texts, emails, or other communications. This pattern of deliberate concealment will be crucial evidence. **Protect your identity:** File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS today and request an Identity Protection PIN online. This prevents him from filing anything else in your name. **Get the evidence:** Use Form 4506 to request actual copies of all tax returns filed in your name - not just transcripts, but the physical documents showing the forged signatures. This will be powerful evidence for both innocent spouse relief and any criminal prosecution. **Multiple agency approach:** Report the Medicaid fraud to your state's fraud control unit and file a police report for the check fraud specifically - forging Treasury checks is a separate criminal offense. His sudden switch to using an accountant for 2023 is actually evidence that he knew his previous actions were illegal. No innocent person suddenly needs professional help unless they were cutting corners before. You trusted your spouse with shared financial responsibilities - that's completely normal and healthy. The betrayal and criminality here is entirely on him, not you. Stay strong - you're taking exactly the right steps to protect yourself and your child.

I'm so sorry you're experiencing this betrayal during an already difficult time. What you've described absolutely constitutes federal tax fraud - forging signatures on tax documents and Treasury checks are serious crimes that can result in both civil and criminal penalties. Here's what I'd recommend as your immediate action plan: **Secure your tax identity first:** File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS immediately and request an IRS Identity Protection PIN online. This prevents any future fraudulent filings in your name. **Document the fraud systematically:** Request actual copies of all tax returns using Form 4506 (not just transcripts) - these will show the forged signatures as evidence. Create a detailed timeline of every conversation where he deflected questions about taxes. **File for protection:** Submit Form 8857 for Innocent Spouse Relief - given the documented pattern of deception and forged signatures, you have an excellent case. Also file Form 911 to request Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance for coordinated help. **Report to multiple agencies:** Contact your state's Medicaid fraud control unit about the healthcare fraud, and file a police report specifically for the check fraud (forging Treasury checks is a separate criminal offense). **Leverage in divorce:** Make sure your attorney knows about this pattern of financial crimes immediately - courts typically rule in favor of the victim of financial fraud during asset division. The fact that he suddenly hired an accountant for 2023 taxes actually works in your favor as evidence that he knew his previous behavior was illegal. You did nothing wrong by trusting your spouse about shared financial obligations - that's completely normal in a marriage. He's the one who chose to systematically betray that trust and commit federal crimes. Stay strong - you're taking exactly the right steps to protect yourself and your child's future.

I'm so sorry you're going through this devastating betrayal during what's already an incredibly difficult time. What your ex-husband did absolutely constitutes multiple federal crimes - signature forgery on tax documents, fraudulent endorsement of Treasury checks, and identity theft are all serious offenses that the IRS prosecutes aggressively. The pattern you've described of being deliberately kept in the dark about your own tax returns while he forged your signature and stole refunds is textbook financial abuse. This isn't just about tax mistakes - it's about systematic deception and control. Here are my recommendations for immediate action: **Protect yourself first:** File Form 14039 (Identity Theft Affidavit) with the IRS today and get an IRS Identity Protection PIN online to prevent any future fraudulent filings in your name. **Gather concrete evidence:** Use Form 4506 to request actual copies of all tax returns filed in your name - not just transcripts, but the physical documents showing his forged signatures. This will be crucial evidence. **Document the pattern:** Create a detailed timeline of every conversation where you asked about taxes and he deflected or gave evasive answers. This shows deliberate concealment. **File for multiple protections:** Submit Form 8857 for Innocent Spouse Relief and Form 911 for Taxpayer Advocate Service assistance to coordinate your case across IRS departments. **Report all fraud:** Contact your state's Medicaid fraud control unit and file a separate police report for check fraud - forging Treasury checks is its own criminal offense. His sudden decision to use an accountant for 2023 taxes is actually evidence that he knew his previous actions were illegal. You did nothing wrong by trusting your spouse with shared financial responsibilities - that's completely normal behavior in a marriage. He chose to exploit that trust and commit federal crimes. This pattern of financial deception will likely work strongly in your favor during divorce proceedings. Stay strong - you're taking exactly the right steps to protect yourself and your child.