Alexis and Terry Have Been Married Five Years and File

Essay

Alexis and Terry have been married five years and file joint tax returns. Alexis began embezzling funds from her employer during the third year of their marriage. Last year, Alexis suddenly left the country and Terry does not know where she is. In the current year, Terry learned that the IRS had assessed him $27,000 in unpaid taxes due to Alexis's embezzlement. What tax issue(s) are present in Terry's situation? What questions would you ask Terry to determine his appropriate response to the IRS?