When it was beyond your control, you may qualify for “Innocent Spouse Relief / Innocent Joint Filer Tax Liability Relief”
By requesting innocent spouse relief, you can be relieved of responsibility for paying tax, interest, and penalties if your spouse (or former spouse) improperly reported items or omitted items on your tax return. Generally, the tax, interest, and penalties that qualify for relief can only be collected from your spouse (or former spouse.) However, you are jointly and individually responsible for any tax, interest, and penalties that do not qualify for relief. The IRS can collect these amounts from either you or your spouse (or former spouse.)
Click here for more information:
https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/innocent-spouse-relief
When you file a California joint tax return, you and your spouse/registered domestic partner (RDP) both assume responsibility for paying the taxes, applicable penalties, and interest. However, if you meet certain legal requirements, you may qualify for relief from payment of all or part of the tax liability.
Click here for more information:
https://www.ftb.ca.gov/individuals/faq/innocentSpouseFAQ.shtml
I may be able to help you with that!