Today TaxMama hears from Kathy in the TaxQuips Forum who is in despair. Let me summarize her problem – and you can read the details, here. Her husband’s ex-wife keeps claiming their children on her joint tax return with her new husband, even though the divorce agreement says Kathy’s husband gets the children. Kathy and her husband are now forced to pay additional taxes, on an installment, to avoid having their wages garnished or bank accounts attached. What can they do?

HR 674 was passed by the House this week and sent to President Obama for signature. The AICPA is happy with this law. In a press release, Edward Karl, vice president of taxation for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants said, “The AICPA commends Congress for recognizing that it makes sense to repeal the requirement that generally requires federal, state and local governments to withhold 3 percent on payments made to government contractors, as well as on certain other payments such as Medicare.”

Today TaxMama wants to ask you. “What is your most terrifying tax tale? What is the worst thing that IRS or your state tax agency ever did to you? Or the most embarrassing thing? Did your ex-spouse or ex-lover get you in trouble? Or did your tax professional mess up big time?” Please tell us your stories.

I’d like to gather your stories in time for a special Halloween issue to supplement the special Halloween segment of Bob McCormick’s Money 101 show on KFWB. TaxMama will be joining him from 9-11 am Pacific on Halloween morning to discuss ghoulish tax tales of terror.  Of course, you’re also welcome to call in on Monday morning! 888-KFWB-980 (888-539-2980)

Today TaxMama hears from Fred in the TaxQuips Forum, with this problem. “My ex-wife and I were legally divorced in Sept. 2008.  For the tax year 2008, she filed as married, filing jointly.  She withdrew her entire 401(k) fund and was penalized for early withdrawal.  She now owes the IRS over $10,000. Because she filed as married, they are coming after me for the tax burden. What can I do?”

Today TaxMama hears from Chan in the TaxQuips Forum, who is catching up. “IRS and VA state (I live in Virginia) have already taken more money from my bank and brokerage accounts than I actually owe them. Would I be getting back the amount that they levied in excess of what I actually owe?  (I was late in meeting the deadline the IRS officer lady gave me, since it was 5 years worth of paperwork I had to sort out. So she levied my accounts.)”

WASHINGTON — In its latest effort to help struggling taxpayers, the Internal Revenue Service today announced a series of new steps to help people get a fresh start with their tax liabilities.

The goal is to help individuals and small businesses meet their tax obligations, without adding unnecessary burden to taxpayers. Specifically, the IRS is announcing new policies and programs to help taxpayers pay back taxes and avoid tax liens.