This brochure explains when your wages can be garnished and when your wages cannot be garnished.
This brochure explains what steps you can take when a collection agency is calling you.
This brochure explains what you can do to protect yourself if you need car repairs.
Helpful tips for buying a used car.
This brochure explains how bankruptcy works.
Filing a bankruptcy can help you get your driver’s license back if you owe a considerable amount of money due to an uninsured accident.
This brochure explains your rights what to do if you are facing a foreclosure.
If someone files a lawsuit against you, you must file a written response to the lawsuit within 28 days of when you got the court papers. A written response to a lawsuit is called an Answer. This packet tells how to prepare your Answer. The packet also has a fill-in-the-blank Answer that you can fill out and file with the court.
This brochure explains how pay day loans are structured and regulated.
Watch our informational video.
You can get a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com.
This brochure from the National Consumer Law Center has information on how to get a free copy of your credit report and how to understand the information on your credit report.
You can search the Ohio Attorney General’s complaints to see if other people have complained about a business.
If you think you a business took advantage of you, you can file a complaint with the Ohio Attorney General.
This Federal Trade Commission site will explain how to figure out what that used car is really worth. It will give you a list of things to look at when you are going to buy a used car. It will also explain how to make sure you are not getting taken advantage of by the car dealer.
If you are having problems with rip offs or imposter scams; problems with mobile devices, telephones or phone plans; problems with internet service, online shopping or computers; problems with education, jobs and making money; problems with credit and debt; problems with robocalls, unwanted telemarketing, text or spam; or problems with many other issues, you can file a complaint with the FTC
This brochure explains the rights and responsibilities parents and students have to a free, appropriate public education. The brochure talks about the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and other rights.
This brochure explains the school discipline process and the rights of students and parents.
This brochure explains how a student becomes a habitual truant student, how that affects the student and the student’s parents, and how to fix the truancy issues.
The SAFE Act is legislation designed to reduce the number of out-of-school suspensions and expulsions of students in pre-K through 3rd grade.
ORC § 3313.642 states that “[N]o board of education of a school district shall charge a fee to a pupil who is eligible for free lunch… for any materials needed… to participate fully in a course of instruction.”
This brochure explains the rules around school enrollment.
Disability Rights Ohio has information and forms on how you can have your child evaluated for special education services.
Disability Rights Ohio has information and forms on how you can have your child’s school to follow his or her IEP.
The Ohio Department of Education publishes A Guide to Parents Rights in Special Education. It is available in several languages.
Disability Rights Ohio has a brochure on early intervention services for infants and toddlers with disabilities. The brochure also talks about how those services are paid.
Disability Rights Ohio has a brochure on how to address behavior problems when the child has an Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
If you need to contact an advocate immediately, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 24 hours a day, at 800.799.7233, or go to
www.thehotline.org.
Family Violence: Get Safe and Get Help
This brochure explains your rights when you or someone in your family is the victim of domestic violence.
How to Represent Yourself at a Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order Final Hearing
This brochure explains how to represent yourself in a final hearing for your Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order case.
How to Present Evidence in Court
If you represent yourself in a Civil Protection Order hearing, you may want to introduce evidence. Evidence may include photos, text messages, or audio recordings. This brochure explains how you can present evidence in court when you represent yourself.
Domestic Violence and Public Benefits
This brochure explains the rights victims of domestic violence have when receiving Ohio Works First (OWF), food stamps, and subsidized housing.
Ohio Works First (OWF) hardship extension
If you are a victim of domestic violence, you may be able to have your Ohio Works First benefits extended beyond the normal 36-month limit. This brochure explains how you can ask to have your Ohio Works First benefits extend past the 36-month limit.
Fair Housing Protections for Survivors of Domestic Violence
This brochure talks about the rights a survivor of domestic violence has under the Fair Housing Act and other laws.
Court Forms
Domestic Violence Civil Protection Order
This packet is designed to help someone file for a Civil Protection Order if you are considered a family our household member of the person you are filing against. For more information on if you qualify as a family or household member, please review the information on the first page of this packet.
Dating Violence Civil Protection Order
This packet is designed to help someone fie for a Dating Violence Civil Protection Order if you are or were in a “dating relationship” with the other person within the past twelve (12) months. For more information on if you qualify for a dating violence protection order, please review the information on the first page of this packet.
Civil Stalking or Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order
This packet is designed to help someone file for a Civil Stalking or Sexually Oriented Offense Protection Order (CSPO or CSOOPO). A CSPO is appropriate if the other person’s actions constitute menacing by stalking. A CSOOPO is appropriate if you are the victim of a sexually oriented offense. For more information on if you qualify for a CSPO or CSOOPO, please review the information on the first page of this packet.
Juvenile Civil Protection Order
This packet is designed to help someone file for a Civil Protection Order against a person that is considered a minor (under the age of eighteen (18) years old). Please note: the age of the Petitioner is irrelevant; the Court only looks at the age of the Respondent to determine if a Juvenile Civil Protection Order has been correctly filed in the Juvenile Court.
Local forms:
If you are filing your packet in Licking County, you are required to fill out and submit this additional form.
• The Rights of Unmarried Mothers
This brochure explains the rights unmarried mothers have regarding their children.
• Rights of Cohabitants: People Who Live Together but Are Not Married
This brochure explains the rights of people who live together but are not married, the legal advantages of marriage, and how to gain some rights that are similar to those for married couples.
• Don’t Be Left Out of the Picture: The Ohio Putative Father Registry
The Ohio Putative Father Registry (OPFR) helps an unmarried father find out if his child might be adopted. This brochure explains how the registry works and what steps a possible father should take.
Allowing Your Spouse to Visit Your Child
This brochure explains visitation issues with your child when you and your spouse have separated.
This brochure explains the court process for changing the custody of a child, including the factors the judge looks at when deciding whether custody should be changed.
How to Change or Enforce an Existing Parenting Time Order
This brochure explains the process to follow to change or enforce a current parenting time order.
Modifying Child Support Orders
This brochure explains the process for having a current child support order modified.
How Does The Court Decide Custody
This brochure explains the process the Court uses when deciding which parent will be granted custody of the minor child and what information is important to tell the court for their decision.
This brochure explains what witnesses you should bring to court with you and how to ask them questions when they are testifying.
How to Present Evidence in Court
This brochure explains what evidence you can use in your hearing and how to present the evidence to the court.
Temporary Orders in a Divorce Case
This brochure explains how you can request temporary orders in your divorce case for custody, support, and payment of debts and/or expenses.
This brochure explains how spousal support is awarded in a divorce case.
This brochure explains how the Court will address real estate in a divorce action.
Pension or Retirement Plan and Divorce
This brochure explains how the Court will address a pension or retirement plan in a divorce action.
Grandparent’s Visitation and Custody Rights
This brochure explains a grandparent’s rights with his or her grandchildren. The brochure talks about when a grandparent has a right to visitation and when a grandparent can receive child support for a grandchild.
Kinship Caregivers – Financial Options
This brochure provides some financial options for grandparents and other kinship caregivers who are caring for minor children whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so, including kinds of cash and food assistance, medical coverage, and childcare.
Kinship Caregivers – Legal Options
This brochure provides some legal options for grandparents and other kinship caregivers who are caring for minor children whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so, including finding a lawyer, potential options for free or reduced-cost legal help, and filing for legal custody.
Kinship Caregivers – Education Options
This brochure provides some education options for grandparents and other kinship caregivers who are caring for minor children whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so, including special education options, Head Start, grants and scholarships for higher education, and kinship care support programs.
Kinship Caregivers – Medical Services
This brochure provides some medical options for grandparents and other kinship caregivers who are caring for minor children whose parents are unable or unwilling to do so, including Healthy Start and Healthy Families Programs, nutritional assistance, and early intervention services for kids with developmental delays.
Forms
In addition to the forms provided below, your county may have specific forms that must be filed for their county. You should review the Local Forms section on the prior page (“Domestic Violence and Family”) to see if your county is listed.
Power of Attorney:
Grandparent Power of Attorney (with Parents Agreeing)
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms for when parents agree to allow a grandparent to make school and medical decisions for a child.
Grandparent Power of Attorney (with Parents Unavailable)
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms for when a grandparent wants to make school and medical decisions for a child but the parents are not available to agree to this.
Visitation:
Use this packet if you are a grandparent or other relative of the child, you are asking the Court to grant you visitation with the child, the child was born to an unmarried mother OR one of the child’s parents is deceased, and NO other court action has been filed regarding this child.
Motion for Visitation in Domestic Relations Court
Use this packet if you are a grandparent or other relative of the child, you are asking the Court to grant you visitation with the child, AND the parents of the child were married and are going through a divorce/have been through a divorce or other action in domestic relations court involving the child.
Motion for Visitation in Juvenile Court
Use this packet if you are a grandparent or other relative of the child, you are asking the Court to grant you visitation with the child, AND there is a current or prior case in juvenile court regarding this child.
Custody:
Non-parent Complaint for Custody in Domestic Relations Court
Use this packet if you are a non-parent who wants to file for custody of a minor child AND the parents are married AND there has never been a case filed regarding this child.
Non-parent Complaint for Custody in Juvenile Court
Use this packet if you are a non-parent who wants to file for custody of a minor child and there has never been a case filed before regarding this child.
Non-parent Complaint for Custody and Motion to Intervene in Domestic Relations Court
Use this packet if you are a non-parent who wants to file for custody of a minor child, the parents of the child are married, and there is a divorce case pending regarding this child or a case has been filed in the past.
Non-parent Complaint for Custody and Motion to Intervene in Juvenile Court
Use this packet if you are a non-parent who wants to file for custody of a minor child, the parents of the child are not married, and there is a case pending regarding this child or a case has been filed in the past.
Acknowledgement, Consent, and Waiver
If you and the parent(s) agree for you to have custody, have the parent(s) sign this form and submit with your Complaint packet. Each parent should sign their own form.
Children Service’s Cases:
Complaint for Custody in Children Services filed case
Use this packet if you are a non-parent who wants to file for custody of a minor child and there is a case pending regarding this child that has been filed by Child Protective Services/Children Services Board.
Notice Form for Foster or Kinship Caregiver
If Child Protective Services has placed the child in your care, either as a foster caregiver or a kinship caregiver, you have the right to be given notice and the right to be heard in the ongoing court case regarding that child. If you are not receiving notices, fill out this form and submit to the Juvenile Court that is hearing your case.
Additional Resources:
Ohio KAN (Kinship & Adoption Navigator)
Ohio Resource Guide for Relatives Caring for Children
Where do I file?
Divorce: You can file for a divorce in Ohio once you have lived in the state for 6 months. You will file your divorce packet in the county where you have lived for 90 days OR where the other party has lived for 90 days. Any post-divorce matters must be filed in the court that granted your divorce.
Custody:
Will SEOLS represent me if I use these forms?
The forms on this website are for you to use to file on your own behalf. You will complete these documents on your own, file them, and represent yourself. By providing these forms, SEOLS and the attorneys who are on its staff have NOT agreed to represent you and will not be available to answer your questions regarding these forms. If you need an attorney, please call your local SEOLS office for an intake to determine if you are eligible for our services. If you are not, most of our counties have a local clinic where you can receive legal information or legal advice about these forms from a SEOLS Staff Attorney of a Volunteer Attorney and our intake specialist will provide you with this information.
What do I do when I am finished filling out the packet of forms?
Make sure all documents are signed where required and notarized if required. When you are finished filling out your packet, you are ready to file your forms with the Clerk of Courts at your local Court of Common Pleas. You should bring copies when you file (one for each party of the case, including yourself), or the Clerk may charge you for making copies. You should keep a copy of everything you file, and everything your spouse files.
Supreme Court Forms Packets
Choose one of the packets below that fits your legal need. In addition to his packet, you may need to file additional Local Forms. CHECK BELOW under “Local Forms” for any additional forms your county may require.
Forms for if you reach an agreement
Miscellaneous Forms
Local Forms
Once you have chosen a packet from the Supreme Court Forms section above, check the below list to see if your local county court has additional forms that must be filed. If your county is listed below, please click on the link for your additional forms.
NOTE: This packet of local forms does not include everything you need to file. You MUST also choose a packet under Supreme Court Forms packets that fits your legal need.
Adams County Domestic Relations Court
Adams County Juvenile Court
Athens County Domestic Relations Court
Delaware County Domestic Relations Court
Delaware County Juvenile Court
Guernsey County Domestic Relations Court
Forms for filing an action in the Guernsey County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division
Holmes County Domestic Relations Court
Forms for filing an action in the Holmes County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division
Marion County Domestic Relations Court
Marion County Juvenile Court
Monroe County Domestic Relations Court
Forms for filing an action in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas Domestic Relations Division
Morrow County Domestic Relations Court
Morrow County Juvenile Court
Noble County Domestic Relations Court
Scioto County Domestic Relations Court
Scioto County Juvenile Court
Tuscarawas County Domestic Court
Union County Domestic Relations Court
Union County Juvenile Court
Washington County Domestic Relations Court
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Planning for Parenting Time Guide – Ohio Supreme Court
This brochure explains your rights when your landlord wants you to move out.
This brochure explains the what, why, and how of security deposits.
This brochure explains what you can do if your landlord sues you for rent.
This brochure explains your rights when your landlord enters your home without notice.
This brochure explains your rights what to do if you rent and need a service animal.
This brochure explains the eviction process.
This brochure explains what to do if you receive a notice to leave.
This brochure explains how to terminate a lease.
This brochure explains what to do if your utilities are not being paid.
This booklet explains what you can do when your landlord isn't making necessary repairs and the process for escrowing your rent.
This brochure explains your rights what to do if you are facing a foreclosure.
The following people may qualify for Medicaid coverage in Ohio:
Health insurance plans are available for anyone in Ohio who does not have coverage through an employer, a family member, or the government. HealthCare.gov has information on how to apply for health insurance.
Community Health Centers provide primary and preventative health care regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Safety Net Dental Care programs provide dental care at a reduced fee or for free to clients who are uninsured and have low incomes.
If you are a veteran, you may be eligible to get medical care through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
If you are a veteran and have already signed up for coverage through the VA, you can find a nearby health care facility.
Recently the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (“ODJFS”) Office of Unemployment Compensation reviewed PUA cases. As a result, ODJFS is sending email alerts to some people who received PUA benefits during the pandemic.
The email alert is to inform the person that new notices have been added to their PUA account. The new notices may say that your application was fraudulent because you did not provide ODJFS with required identity documents; that you have an overpayment; and that you must repay the PUA benefits you received, serve penalty weeks, and pay 15% interest.
WHAT TO DO:
1. Check your email and PUA accounts. ODJFS will send the alert to the email address you used when you applied and received PUA benefits. The actual notice will be in your PUA account. Log into your PUA account here.
2. If you received a notice, you have 21 days from the issuance date to appeal. Follow the directions in the Appeal Rights section in the notice on how to file an appeal and provide copies of the required identity documents.
There are 7 items that are required: photo ID, full legal name, date of birth, legal presence in the U.S., social security number, street address, and bank account (if you elected direct deposit for your PUA benefits). Some documents, such as a driver’s license and birth certificate can be used to prove more than one item. For a list of required documents, click here.
There are two ways to file an appeal:
If you miss the deadline, you can still file an appeal, but you may first need to prove you had good cause for missing the deadline.
3.
Once you appeal, you should:
4. If you did not receive a notice: You should check the email frequently and/or log onto your PUA account and look for new notices.
**Important: During the pandemic, Medicaid did not end for most people. Job and Family Services is checking to see if people are still eligible. The brochure above and the video below explain how to update your information with Medicaid so you keep receiving the benefits you're eligible for.
This brochure explains Medicaid waiver programs for people with health issues that limit their daily life including trouble dressing, getting around, toileting, and eating. These programs can help with things like home health care, durable medical equipment, adult day services, and more.
This brochure explains the basics of Medicare, including who is eligible and different Medicare programs and what they cover.
This brochure explains what Medicaid covers for children.
This brochure explains what mental health and substance use disorder benefits Medicaid must cover.
This brochure explains your rights when you disagree with a decision by your Job and Family Services office.
This brochure explains what to do if Job and Family Services sanctions your food stamp, Ohio Works First, or Medicaid benefits.
This brochure explains how you can ask to have your Ohio Works First benefits extend past the 36-month limit.
This brochure explains how Ohio’s Medicaid Estate Recovery program works. The Medicaid Estate Recovery program allows the state of Ohio to collect Medicaid payments from the estates of former Medicaid recipients.
To receive unemployment benefits, you must apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. After you are approved for benefits, you must file a claim each week until you get a new job.
You can apply for several types of public benefits through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. You can apply online or by contacting your local Job and Family Services office.
This document explains who can seal their record and what types of convictions can be sealed.
This document explains what a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is and the process for getting one to help with employment following a criminal conviction.
FAQ about Certificates of Qualification for Employment.
A blank record sealing application with a form to request a filing fee waiver.
This brochure explains how Ohio’s Medicaid Estate Recovery program works. The Medicaid Estate Recovery program allows the state of Ohio to collect Medicaid payments from the estates of former Medicaid recipients.
This brochure explains the steps you need to take to revoke a Financial Power of Attorney. The brochure also has a fill-in-the-blank form you can fill out to revoke the Financial Power of Attorney.
This brochure explains the steps you need to take to revoke a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will. The brochure also has a fill-in-the-blank form you can fill out to revoke the Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care and Living Will.
This brochure explains a grandparent’s rights with his or her grandchildren. The brochure talks about when a grandparent has a right to visitation and when a grandparent can receive child support for a grandchild.
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms for when parents agree to allow a grandparent to make school and medical decisions for a child.
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms for when a grandparent wants to make school and medical decisions for a child but the parents are not available to agree to this.
You can create your own Power of Attorney for Financial Affairs online. This form only works for residents of Ohio.
You can create your own simple will online. If you need a more complex will drafted, you should talk with a private attorney. This form only works for residents of Ohio.
This packet from the Ohio State Bar Association has fill-in-the-blank forms for a Health Care Power of Attorney, a Living Will, and a Donor Registry. You do not need to fill out all three forms. You can fill out the forms you want to fill out.
With the help of a grant from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), SEOLS hosts a Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic. We assist our clients with federal tax controversies, or problems. We do not file tax returns.
What Is an LITC?
LITCs are a network of clinics all over the country who work to assist low-income individuals that have tax disputes with the IRS. LITCs are not directly affiliated with the IRS, even though some funding is provided by the IRS. Our services are geared toward those whose income is below a certain level. Our services are provided under the grants we receive, ensuring our services are offered for free.
How Can the LITC Help Me?
Our attorneys represent taxpayers with audits, appeals, tax collection and/or disputes to the IRS. Our clinic can also provide education for taxpayers and provide outreach to those who are low income, or who speak English as a second language. More information on how an LITC may be able to help you.
I got a letter from the IRS
This brochure explains what the Child Tax Credit is, how to claim it, what a qualifying child is, and more.
When do I have to file?
Can I review my past tax filings and information?
Yes!
Who can help me file past-due taxes?
I owe a tax balance and cannot pay. Should I file my return?
You should file your return by the due date to prevent a late filing penalty (see next question).
Is there a penalty to filing my return late?
Are there other penalties besides the late filing penalty?
Besides the late filing penalty, there is also a late payment penalty. This penalty is one-half of one percent for each month, or part of a month, up to a maximum of 25% of the amount of tax that remains unpaid from the due date of the return until the tax is paid in full.
What happens to my money if I do not file a return and claim my refund?
If no return is filed to claim the refund within three years, the money becomes property of the US Treasury.
What if I owe the IRS for past due taxes but I really need my tax refund?
If you are in a hardship situation, you may be able to prevent the IRS from applying your refund to past-due taxes. The IRS will determine that you have a hardship situation if you:
Have your returns prepared and call Legal Aid to speak to an attorney if this situation applies to you and we may be able to apply for the bypass with the Taxpayer Advocate Service. You may also contact the Taxpayer Advocate Service directly at 513-263-3260 / 1-877-777-4778
*Please note you cannot bypass the offset if you owe any other federal debt, or a debt being collected through refund offset. Examples of debts which can be collected through a refund offset include child support, social security overpayments, and student loans.
Where can I find tax forms to file previous years?
I am having difficulty trying to e-file my tax return because I am missing my IP PIN number.
First, you can try to retrieve your PIN by following the instructions here. If that is not possible, you should file your return by paper and call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 in approximately FOUR (4) weeks to check the status if you do not receive your refund. (Until IRS mail processing returns to normal after the pandemic, it may be best to wait 8-12 weeks before calling.)
What is Identity Verification?
ID Verification is a process that IRS uses to stop fraudulent returns from being processed and refunds going to individuals that do not qualify for them. The IRS has put filters in place to help stop identity theft and releasing these refunds. More information on Identity Verification is available here.
When you take out a loan, the money you receive is not income because you are going to pay it back. However, if the situation changes and you are no longer going to pay back the money, the IRS generally considers the portion that will not be repaid to be income. You should receive a Form 1099-C in the mail around the beginning of the year, similar to receiving your W-2 from an employer. You should make sure that your lender has your current mailing address. If you do not receive a 1099-C, you should contact them. You will need the 1099-C when the preparer does your tax filing.
Does this mean I’m going to owe extra taxes?
Maybe. You will need to report the cancelled debt on your taxes, but it may not be taxable. You may qualify for an exclusion. It’s best to consult a qualified tax preparer to make sure your taxes are done correctly.
What do you mean by cancelled?
A cancelled debt is one that is no longer going to be collected. It can be cancelled by an agreement between the lender and the borrower, or by a decision by the lender not to collect. It can also be cancelled when the lender runs out of time to collect as matter of law. Debt can be cancelled when the balance due is partially reduced or when the full debt is eliminated. The important part is that some part of the balance due will not be collected.
What kind of exclusions might help me?
There are several exclusions, but two of the most common exclusions are discussed below. You should consult a qualified tax professional to learn more about your situation.
What should I do to get ready to file my taxes?
First, gather any paperwork you have about the cancelled debt, including the 1099-C. Make a list of all the assets you owned when the debt was cancelled. Include everything, including retirement accounts, real estate, bank accounts, and investments. Try to list a fair, current value for each item. Then make a list of all the money you owe to anyone, including the debt that was cancelled. If you need help, you may want to request a credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com. The IRS Publication 4681 has an insolvency worksheet that may be helpful.
Who can help me with this?
Currently Not Collectible Status (CNC)
There are times where you agree you owe the IRS, but you cannot pay due to your current financial situation. If the IRS agrees you cannot pay your taxes and your basic living expenses, the IRS may place your account in Currently Not Collectible (CNC) status. For more information, click here.
Payment Plan
If you cannot pay your balance in full, the IRS offers, depending on the type of tax you owe, and how much, short- or long-term payment plans.
Short Term Payment Plan
If you believe you can pay the balance owed in less than 120 days, you may be eligible for a short-term payment plan. There is no cost to setup the payment plan, and you can apply online.
Long Term Payment Plan (Installment Agreement)
There are a few types of long-term Installment Agreements depending on your tax situation. The two most common installment agreements, however, are guaranteed and streamlined.
Offer In Compromise (OIC)
An Offer in Compromise allows you to settle your tax debt for less than the full amount you owe. This collection alternative is an option if you cannot pay your full tax liability or doing so creates financial hardship. Note, the OIC process can be lengthy and take several months before you have a resolution. Keep close track of the dates–if the IRS does not reject, return, or you withdraw your offer within two years of the date the IRS receives it, the offer is deemed accepted. For more information, click here.
If your offer is accepted:
If your offer is rejected:
You may appeal a rejection within 30 days using Request for Appeal of Offer in Compromise, Form 13711.
What is an Injured Spouse Claim?
An injured spouse claim can help you get back part of the tax refund that was withheld to pay your spouse’s debt. An injured spouse claim will not help you get relief from a joint tax debt. A joint tax debt is one that both you and your spouse owe. If you need relief from a joint tax debt, contact Legal Aid or a lawyer about filing for Innocent Spouse Relief (Form 8857). When you file a joint income tax return, the United States Treasury Department’s Financial Management Service (FMS) can apply all or part of the joint refund to one spouse’s past due tax, child support, or federal non-tax debt, such as a student loan. If this happens, FMS will send you a notice. The notice will tell you the name, address, and telephone number of the agency with the debt.
If the answer to all four of the following questions is “yes,” you might be able to file an injured spouse claim:
How do I qualify for an injured spouse claim?
You qualify for an injured spouse claim if you meet all the following three conditions:
How do I request an injured spouse claim?
You can request an injured spouse claim by filling out IRS form 8379.
When should I request an injured spouse claim?
If you received a letter from an agency telling you that your tax refund would be withheld to pay your spouse’s debt, you should request an injured spouse claim when you file your joint tax return. You can attach Form 8379 to your tax return and mail it to the IRS. If you did not receive a letter telling you that your tax refund would be withheld, you should file for an injured spouse claim as soon as the FMS keeps your tax refund. You must file the claim within 3 years of the due date of the return.
What if I don’t agree with the amount of my injured spouse claim?
You should write to the IRS and ask for a copy of the Injured Spouse Claim Worksheet or call SEOLS.
A joint tax debt is one that both you and your spouse owe. If you need relief from a joint tax debt, contact Legal Aid or a lawyer about filing for Innocent Spouse Relief (Form 8857).
See these helpful resources:
2023 Tax Handbook for Self-Employed Individuals
Check out the videos from our Facebook Live series on self-employment.
Other self-employment flyers and resources:
Below is a recap of frequently used tax forms and publications. Visit the IRS website to see all the available forms.
Tax Presentations for Organizational Education
To request a presentation at your organization about issues affecting low-income taxpayers, contact Melissa Skilliter, LITC Director for SEOLS, mskilliter@seols.org.
This document explains discharge upgrades and who can apply for them. It also offers a short explanation of how to apply.
This document explains benefits that are available to some spouses of deceased veterans.
Commissions assist veterans with all VA benefits issues and provide a variety of funds to veterans to avoid homelessness. If you are wondering what benefits you may be eligible for through the VA, you should contact your VSC.
This brochure explains when your wages can be garnished and how the garnishment process works.
This brochure explains Ohio's unemployment compensation application process.
This brochure explains what to do if you have not had success applying online or via phone.
This brochure explains what wage theft is.
This document explains what a Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) is and the process for getting one to help with employment following a criminal conviction.
This document explains who can seal their record and what types of convictions can be sealed.
This document offers information from the Ohio Department & Correction about applying for a Certificate of Qualification for Employment.
To receive unemployment benefits, you must apply through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. After you are approved for benefits, you must file a claim each week until you get a new job.
This brochure explains how to represent yourself in a civil lawsuit.
This brochure answers a lot of specific questions about how you can represent yourself in court.
If someone files a lawsuit against you, you must file a written response to the lawsuit within 28 days of when you got the court papers. A written response to a lawsuit is called an Answer. This packet tells how to prepare your Answer. The packet also has a fill-in-the-blank Answer that you can fill out and file with the court.
If you cannot go to a hearing because of a scheduling conflict, you can ask the judge to reschedule the hearing. This is called a continuance. The packet has a fill-in-the-blank motion for you to fill out and file with the court. The packet also explains how to fill out the motion. Please keep in mind that there is no guarantee that the hearing time will be changed.
This brochure explains how you can use witnesses in your court case and how to deal with the other party’s witnesses.
This brochure explains how you can present evidence in court when you represent yourself.
If you have been served with contempt of court papers, you have a right to a court-appointed attorney if you are not able to afford an attorney. This brochure explains how you can ask for a court-appointed attorney.
If someone has taken your personal property and will not give it back, you can file a replevin action. In a replevin action, a judge can order the other party to return the property to you. This packet explains replevin actions and has fill-in-the-blank forms for you to fill out and file with the court to ask for your property to be returned to you.
This brochure from the Ohio Judicial Conference has information to help people who represent themselves in court.
This brochure from the Ohio Judicial Conference has information for those who plan to sue someone in small claims court or who are parties to a case in small claims court.
This brochure from the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges explains how you can present evidence in court if you represent yourself.
To file a lawsuit, you usually have to pay court fees up front. You may also have to pay court fees to file certain documents in the middle of a court case. If you cannot afford to pay those fees, you can ask the judge to waive the prepayment of the fees by filing a Poverty Affidavit with the court. This website walks you through the steps of filling out a Poverty Affidavit.
If you have a low income, you have the right to a public defender or court-appointed lawyer in felony criminal cases, misdemeanor criminal cases if jail time is possible, contempt of court cases if jail time is possible, and many juvenile court cases involving those involving Children’s Services. You usually can get public defender if you ask the judge at your first hearing. The Office of the Ohio Public Defender’s website has information on how to ask for a public defender.
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms that you can use to ask a court to change your name.
This packet has fill-in-the-blank forms that you can use to ask a court to change the name of your minor child.