Individual Income

Injured Spouse Claims

If your spouse owes money to a Vermont or Federal agency and you file a joint income tax return, you may file an injured spouse claim. If your spouse is responsible for the bill, and you are not, you can ask for your portion of the refund. Otherwise, the entire income tax refund will be used to pay the bill.

Your portion of the refund is based on the proportion of your income to total income.

To make an injured spouse claim, send in an envelope separate from your income tax return - (1) a request letter, (2) a copy of Federal Form 8379 (if filed), (3) if self-employed send a copy of Federal income tax return with Schedules C and SE.

Mail to:

Vermont Department of Taxes
ATTN: Injured Spouse Unit
PO Box 1645
Montpelier, VT 05601-1645

Electronic filers may be asked for copies of W-2, 1099 or other payment statements.

Taxpayer Information Line:
1.866.828.2865 (Toll-free in VT)
or 802.828.2865 (Local & Out-of-State)