---
title: Tax Debt Help by Life Stage: Divorce, Retirement | TaxTruce
url: https://taxtruce.com/for
updated: 2026-10-29
---

# Tax help by life stage

Pick the one that sounds like you.

[**In your 20s**First jobs, side gigs and the first tax surprise.](/for/in-your-20s)[**In your 30s**Kids, a house, and tax debt that can follow you.](/for/in-your-30s)[**In your 40s**Bigger income, bigger bills, bigger tax risk.](/for/in-your-40s)[**In your 50s**Do not pay old tax debt from your 401(k).](/for/in-your-50s)[**Over 60**Retirement plans, free help, and the rules that change.](/for/over-60)[**Retirees**Fixed income, Social Security and IRS levies.](/for/retirees)[**Newlyweds**A joint return means a joint tax bill.](/for/newlyweds)[**Divorced**A joint tax debt can outlast the marriage.](/for/divorced)[**Widowed**Final returns, old debts, and two years of help.](/for/widowed)[**Single parents**One income, one return, and credits that matter.](/for/single-parents)[**New parents**A new baby changes your taxes.](/for/new-parents)[**Veterans**VA benefits are tax free. Back taxes are not.](/for/veterans)[**First year self employed**Your first year has a tax trap. Here it is.](/for/first-year-self-employed)[**New business owners**Get payroll right from day one.](/for/new-business-owners)[**Spanish speakers**Ayuda con deudas de impuestos, en español.](/for/spanish-speakers)

## Questions about life changes and taxes

My ex owes taxes on our joint return. Am I stuck?

Maybe not. Innocent spouse relief can remove some or all of the debt for one spouse in some cases. You ask for it with Form 8857.

Can the IRS take my Social Security?

Yes, in some cases. The CP504 notice lists Social Security benefits among the things the IRS can levy.

I just started working for myself. What should I watch?

Set money aside for taxes, make estimated payments each quarter, and keep records of your costs. Self employment tax is 15.3% on top of income tax.