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My father passed away before he was able to file his taxes. My mom received a call from the IRS questioning why he didn't pay taxes on gambling winnings. Will my mom be responsible for the taxes?

Last Updated: January 21, 2010

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Your mom needs to consult a tax adviser. Generally, both spouses are responsible for income that is reported (or should have been reported) on a joint tax return. There are provisions, called "innocent spouse rules," however, for spouses who sign tax returns which they did not fully understand. Professional advice is highly recommended. We would like your feedback on this Personal Finance Frequently Asked Question.

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