It resonated with me today when radio host Tony Kornheiser described the IRS as the "lance edge" of the federal government. Perfectly put. When the IRS had me at the point of their lance there were no Electric Slide lessons being offered. No junkets, no fun. I was getting it in the gut, the defendent in a tax fraud case that was a complete surprise. I was innocent, but at the outset no one believed me or was on my side. I was utterly vulnerable; even my lawyers at Caplan & Drysdale did not have my back. Here's how I first learned I was about to have the fight of my life, in a gripping excerpt from my memoir, Innocent Spouse. Please read the excerpt and then buy the book!
Innocent Spouse
06/05/2013
11/30/2012
11/26/2012
"Innocent Spouse," Is Now Available In Paperback
THE PAPERBACK OF "INNOCENT SPOUSE," NOW AT BOOKSTORES AND ONLINE
The paperback edition of "Innocent Spouse" arrived in bookstores this past week, in time for holiday gift-giving. Who would you give it to? Anyone who likes a good memoir, or has had to face financial crisis, or who owns a bankrupt small business, or has had to go up against the IRS, or whose spouse died suddenly, or who is a solo parent, or, as happened to me, all of those things and then some. Note: if you don't count enduring debt, it has a happy ending.
The price is $13.84. It's available also on Amazon.
Comments from the Amazon page:
“The book is totally gripping, the best page turner I've read in years. ”StevenA54 | 10 reviewers made a similar statement
“Ms. Joynt has written a masterpiece !! ”Caramel | 9 reviewers made a similar statement
“The only change I would make in the book would be to include some pictures of good times and bad. ”Library Lady | 5 reviewers made a similar statement
08/14/2011
08/01/2011
Innocent Spouse Featured In Lyndon Ford's "Tax Trouble Help"
Comments from “Innocent Spouse” Book Author Carol Ross Joynt on New Spouse IRS Rules
By TTH | Published: JULY 31, 2011
NOTE: Listen to the PODCAST of Lyndon Ford's interview with Carol Ross Joynt, the author of the book “Innocent Spouse.”Joynt was charged with multi-million dollar IRS tax fraud – shockingly discovered after the sudden death of her husband! To listen to the podcasts use this link http://taxtroublehelp.com/radio-show/
Carol Ross Joynt's statement on the new IRS innocent spouse rules:
"The IRS Monday changed its rules to make it a little easier for women and men who seek innocent spouse tax relief. They dropped the rule that required filing within two years. People familiar with the code –both inside and outside the IRS — considered the time limit unduly stringent. Innocent spouse cases typically are messy. It can take years for the fraud to emerge and the spouse left “holding the bag” to get their legal case organized. I was fortunate. I knew within two weeks of my husband’s death, but my case was relatively clear cut. Howard committed a crime that was routine in the restaurant business and fairly transparent.
"Since publication of my memoir, “Innocent Spouse,” I hear daily from people who want to file for innocent spouse relief. Mostly women but also men. Their stories are harrowing, often making mine pale in comparison. Some are married to people who committed elaborate schemes and cons. Some are married to people who are in jail. Some have been physically abused and are afraid to seek a defense. Each and every one of them is scared and trying to figure it out, or did get it figured out and are trying to put their lives back together. So, this is a big day for a lot of those individuals."
Innocent Spouse Is "The Big Book" on Public Radio
Here's from American Public Media's "Marketplace" website, with links below for listening to the show hosted by Tess Vigeland:
Innocent Spouse: A Memoir
Title: Innocent Spouse: A Memoir
In this memoir, Washington-based journalist Carol Ross Joynt recounts how she picked up the pieces after the death of her husband, Howard. Left to raise her 5-year-old son as a single parent, forced to take over her family’s financial and legal responsibilities — as well as run her deceased husband’s restaurant — Joynt soon discovers Howard had many secrets. One of them: He owed the IRS nearly $3 million. This memoir recounts how Joynt found the strength to soldier on in the face of heartbreak and suffering.
07/25/2011
Good News For Women and Men Who Seek Innocent Spouse Relief
A JOURNEY TO SEEK AND WIN INNOCENT SPOUSE RELIEF, PLUS SO MUCH MORE
The IRS Monday changed its rules to make it a little easier for women and men who seek innocent spouse tax relief. They dropped the rule that required filing within two years. People familiar with the code --both inside and outside the IRS -- considered the time limit unduly stringent. Innocent spouse cases typically are messy. It can take years for the fraud to emerge and the spouse left "holding the bag" to get their legal case organized. I was fortunate. I knew within two weeks of my husband's death, but my case was relatively clear cut. Howard committed a crime that was routine in the restaurant business and fairly transparent.
Since publication of my memoir, "Innocent Spouse," I hear daily from people who want to file for innocent spouse relief. Mostly women but also men. Their stories are harrowing, often making mine pale in comparison. Some are married to people who committed elaborate schemes and cons. Some are married to people who are in jail. Some have been physically abused and are afraid to seek a defense. Each and every one of them is scared and trying to figure it out, or did get it figured out and are trying to put their lives back together. So, this is a big day for a lot of those individuals.
In a statement the IRS Commissioner, Doug Shulman, said, "Today's change will help innocent spouses victimized in the past, present and future." For more about the nuts and bolts of the decision read Robert Wood's column on forbes.com. I'm delighted to give the shout out to Rob because he gave my book a rave review, but even without that he is a respected go-to columnist on tax issues.
While "Innocent Spouse" has many threads -- surviving grief, the challenges of solo parenting, keeping a bankrupt small business afloat, rebuilding one's life -- it is also a journey inside the legal struggle to win innocent spouse relief. I succeeded, with the help of great lawyers, Sheldon Cohen and Miriam Fisher, but it took more than a year, and my defense met all the IRS requirements. Please check it out. Buy one for yourself and another for a friend!
07/07/2011
INNOCENT SPOUSE: We Get E-Mail
Here's a representative selection of messages from the last few weeks, equally divided between men and women. I love hearing from people who have read Innocent Spouse. That's why we writers write. We like to write and sell books, of course, but we also like to hear from the readers who read them:
Carol:Just returned from a week in Jamaica and had the pleasure of reading three books: the Agassi book, the Jim Axelrod book, and yours; and yours kicked ass! Simply, you are a remarkable, remarkable woman. What you have given us is an inspiring, compelling, impressive, and beautifully written book. I appreciate your humanity and your humility…very, very brave of you to do this. Cheers!
JK, Washington DC
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Hi, Carol. Well…I spent the weekend reading Innocent Spouse. It is a very compelling read and exceptionally well written – fascinating, tragic, uplifting, inspiring and more. Congratulations! Best regards, AN, Williamsburg, VA
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Dear Carol,
We talked just briefly at the book signing at Borders Books two weeks ago. I was planning on flying home to California the next day and you assured me that your book, "Innocent Spouse" would keep me entertained for the entire flight. Well, I have to say that I found what you said to be the absolute truth. I could not put the book down or take the luxury of closing my eyes during the long flight, because the book was entirely engrossing. I loved it! The story of deceit, the name dropping of people we all "know", the issues of balancing motherhood (my daughter is exactly one month younger than your son), the decadence of extreme wealth, and then impoverishment; all were aspects of your book that I found intriguing. Your tenacity and commitment to your goals added a force that brought the story together for me and made it that much more compelling. So, thank you for being there that day and bringing my attention to your book. I can't wait to share it with friends.
Warm Regards,
RK
Redding, CA
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Last week I finished INNOCENT SPOUSE.......wow, that is a harrowing tale and you sure bring it to the reader full force. I am not quite certain what kept you from the Calvert Street Bridge but clearly Spencer played a huge role. In any case you are one strong woman!
PW, Washington DC
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Dear Mrs. Joynt,
I am reading your book "Innocent Spouse" and would like to thank you for sharing your story. Your strength is therapeutic for others; in so many ways, especially how you looked out for Spencer in dealing with the loss of his dad; and your struggle to overcome. Walking the walk; is the journey we have shared.
My mother lost my dad and brother in an auto accident; when I was three years old; and from her grief, became narcissist towards me; to the extent it was damaging; and has affected the relationship with my daughters. While you worked out your pain and helped Spencer; my mother used "spankings" towards me as a means for dealing with her pain; to control and intimidate my life.
I became the "mascot"; dealt with family life as best as I could; completed my education; raised my family and when the youngest went to college; I returned to New York; to "water myself". Reading your book has also inspired me to keep the faith when trying to reach and book artists, then being turned down or ignored. Thank you for the insight and peace; on a day, when it is being said, "the world is ending". Not for me, I have too much to live and be thankful for.
Best regards,
LK, New York
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Carol,
The book arrived at lunchtime and totally derailed my plans to be on a disciplined work schedule today. I thought it would be good, and it is good--it's terrific! Wow! Congratulations!
JY
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Could not put down your book until
I finished it. Wonderful on so many
levels. I am a Florida resident and would love
to hear you speak.
Any plans for a book signing in Naples, FL? There is a too big contingent of widows here who would find this book helpful and inspiring.
EM, FL
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Hi Carol,
I just finished reading Innocent Spouse. I read it in three days which is a record for me especially considering that I normally don't read non-fiction. You are quite a good writer. I could identify with you as a fellow small business owner, and as a parent of an only-child son. Our son, William, is two years older than Spencer. (My wife and I are) in the wine retail business and had to close a store that was losing money in 1997. I too walked out a little before the actual last moment, and our family had one of its most enjoyable vacations ever. Anyhow, thank you for sharing your story.
KK
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Carol,
I'm halfway into the book and look forward to the time I can set aside to read it. You are a terrific writer and now I understand why Crown was so interested in publishing the book.
DL, Seattle
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Hi Carol,
I read an article about you in Vogue magazine. I saved the article (with many others) to get to at a later date. Thankfully, I found time to read through my "pile" last week on vacation. I promptly ordered your book from Amazon.I just finished the last page of your incredible journey and I hated so badly that it ended! You are an amazingly strong, smart inspiration to women everywhere.
Thank you for sharing your story! I wish you and Spencer the very best!
-PW (Austin, TX)
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Dear Mrs. Joynt,
Thank you for sharing your story in Innocent Spouse. What a remarkable, strong woman you are!!! You are living proof that women are probably stronger than men, how admirable your attitude is of moving forward, and how important it is in life to look through the front windshield rather than the rear view mirror.
I had first learned about the book through your interview with Matt Lauer on the Today show. I became interested b/c a friend of mine was blind sided by a somewhat different, but mainly similar situation to your own, involving the IRS. I bought a copy of the book for her, and then decided to purchase a copy for myself. You should feel flattered b/c I tend not be an avid reader of books. I had trouble putting yours down!! I was struck and impressed by your determination and your frankness, and how adroitly you shared your thoughts and feelings along the way, at each development/roadblock, aside from your dedication to your son and his well being, and how good you were for one another. How lucky Spencer is to have you for a mother!!
Thanks again for sharing your story which will no doubt be of interest to, and benefit others, who either have a spouse with two "separate" lives, an IRS problem of this nature, as well as the challenges of single parenting.
Sincerely,
TS, Ann Arbor
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Carol: I read your book from many angles: the mother of a son almost the same age, a woman business owner, a woman who has also overcome incredible challenges (including 2 cancer scares and bringing my younger son back from the brink of autism due to a vaccine injury), a woman who knows what it feels like to wear a business as an albatross around her neck, a mother who put the education of her son above all priorities even when we couldn't afford it, and as a writer.
You are the epitome of resilience and strength. I hope you remember that in all families, the mother is the anchor. You did an extraordinary job under horrendous circumstances. I hope the next phase of your life brings you peace, joy, and a calm.
C, Ashburn, VA
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I love the book and just left you a big wet kiss review on Amazon - a first for me! - The book is very good and I think you have a really important message for women on financial literacy and avoiding submission. Cute but alas transparent that you fig leaf that xx is Paolo - why oh why did you give kh a second chance?
M, Washington
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Greetings Carol,
While I don't know you personally, I wanted to let you know I finished your book Innocent Spouse and a lot of your emotions hit home for me. My husband was killed in a plane crash 4 years ago, He was the pilot and 3 others perished with him. I discovered after his death that he had withdrawn his 401 k monies in 05 and still not filied our taxes at the time of his death. 2/07. So I am still dealing with the IRS and trying to close the estate. He left me such a mess, lawsuits with the plane crash, a mortgage with my name on but a house that is in his name only and no will.
My daughter adored my husband and he was a wonderful Step dad. So I totally related to your situation and needing to take care of you and your son, as I did with my daughter and myself.
Seeing you as a survivor gives me more hope. I am blessed with a Godly man for an attorney and have a very strong faith so I have weathered most of the storm and still am walking upright. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing me to see/feel and experience your pain and frustration. I so have felt many of those emotions. Guess it’s a girls club we never expected to be a member of. Wear your badge of courage and strength proudly, as I intend to some day when my issues are resolved. God Bless you and your son.
LT, Omaha
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Carol, I don't even know if I have the words within me to express the sorrow and empathy I have for you and your son. Am a little embarrassed to say that even while reading I am holding back tears. I felt that during your passage of telling yourself not to cry that I should at least be able to do that since I wasn't going through what you were. But your story is so compelling that I was feeling as though I were there in the room with you. Again, my heart goes out to.
MA, Pennsylvania
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Hi Carol,
Its been fascinating reading your book the last two days. It was given to me by my best friend last week, after she and I watched you on the TODAY show. We heard Matt Lauer start off and when your story started we both listened and immediately looked at the TV without a word. Then, we stopped and looked at each other and I said "oh my god!"
I am going to continue to read your blogs and website as well as hopefully be able to hear your radio broadcasts someday. You are an inspiration of continued strength which I too have become and hope no one has to (as we say in Florida) walk in my flip-flops.
ND, FL
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Hi Carol,
I just reviewed your book on Amazon (purchased it on my Kindle). Altho I love my Kindle, there is nothing like the feel of a book and must own a hard copy of this book.
I’m soon to celebrate my 20th year as Controller for a restaurant group. I so related to your vendor dealings, etc. I recognized a lot of the names in your book. I think you did a wonderful job holding it all together for so long in a very tough business.
Thank you for a book about women in business dealing with adversity. I wish you much happiness in both your personal and professional life and your son also!
MP
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Dear Carol:
I wanted to tell you that after I bought your book at the Newseum following your discussion, I quickly read it and very much liked it. You told the story in a compelling and interesting way. What was particularly significant to me was how throughout your struggle, you worked so hard to protect and care for your son. Not that it was expected you would do so, but I found that to be a wonderful love story conveying a mother’s strong feelings and sacrifice to be sure her child did well. I think you made the readers want to hug your son for the things he was dealing with as a young boy, and hug you for all you did for him as well as for your courage throughout.
I enjoyed your work very much. I hope you find great success with the book and a next step in life that takes advantage of your many skills.
CP
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I read it immediately and finished it in two days. It was terrific, very emotionally honest, and SO readable. Carol, I’m not going to forget it… less a tax story and more a marriage story—a great feminist fable about leaving “business affairs” to one’s spouse. The book is also cautionary tale about the restaurant business!
LM, New York
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Carol -
I really enjoyed reading your book. I found myself relating to bits and pieces, such as balancing the work, kids, and husband's stuff - of course on a much smaller scale than what you dealt with. I also found myself rooting for you with everything going on. I am glad that the IRS made the correct finding to find you Innocent!
KM
07/04/2011
07/01/2011
Flying In/Out of Reagan Today? Stop By Borders for a Signed Copy of Innocent Spouse
Maybe you have an e-ticket in hand and are among the lucky ones to be getting out of Washington this weekend, meaning away from the budget battle media event (meaning: there will be a lot of media noise and then the debt ceiling issue will be resolved, as always), away from work in general. If you happen to be flying out of Reagan National this afternoon, please stop by Borders books to pick up a signed copy of "Innocent Spouse." I'll be there, signing, and experiencing a vicarious getaway thrill, though, truth be told, July 4th weekend in the city can be peaceful and sweet -- away from the tourist haunts.
Fun thing to do: cruise Dominique Strauss-Kahn's Dumbarton Street house to see if the shades go back up. They've been down since he was incarcerated. Will they go back up now that he may be released? Will he ever return to Georgetown, or get out of the U.S. as fast as possible, giving officials the finger as he bolts for the boarding gate.
06/27/2011
06/26/2011
06/24/2011
USA TODAY: "INNOCENT SPOUSE"
Well, I'm in MONEY (if not the money), but nonetheless, this is groovy. Front of the "green" section of the very newspaper where I once worked, serving as Washington bureau chief of the one-time USA Today: The TV Show. (But please understand one is not related to the other).
The story is important and covers more than my book, including other spouses and their stories, but I'm grateful for the good play for the book. Read the full story by Sandra Block: IRS INNOCENT SPOUSE RULES CAN BE TOUGH.
06/22/2011
06/20/2011
Innocent Spouse Encore on Huffington Post
This is the second write-up of Innocent Spouse to appear on Huffington Post. Much appreciated:
Jamie Stiehm
Journalist
A Woman's Tale Of Survival In The Surf Of Death And Taxes
First-time author Carol Ross Joynt, a disarming, dishy denizen of Georgetown in the heart of the nation's capital, is a woman in full. I heard her say so at a Ritz-Carlton lunch during an interview on her captivating memoir, Innocent Spouse, about running afoul of the IRS when her husband died with the saloon he owned deeply in hock. John Donvan, the ABC News correspondent, did the honors of the Q & A -- opening by questioning whether the book was just "chick lit." Very nice.
Well, Reader, it's fine Vineyard fare, but more than that. And I do mean captivating -- for Joynt's stylish frankness in covering every step of the way in an odyssey of loss, struggle, spirit and reclamation. If I chose a few contemporary autobiographies of women to send back to the beloved 19th and 20th century suspects -- Jane Austen, Virginia Woolf and George Eliot -- Joynt's book might make the cut. A literary masterpiece? No -- but a taut yarn not easily put down, by a media maestra who worked as a writer for Walter Cronkite early in her career. Later, she worked as a network news producer for Charlie Rose and Larry King. I enjoyed every moment of this tale, which was like a refreshing dip into a cold surf of reality: (with death and taxes churning like an undertow.)
(CONTINUED HERE)
06/19/2011
Georgetown Cupcake to Host "Innocent Spouse" Signing June 29th
THE INNOCENT SPOUSE CUPCAKE CREATED BY GEORGETOWN CUPCAKE (Tony Powell)
Georgetown Cupcake owners, and "DC Cupcakes" stars Katherine Kallinis and Sophie LaMontagne will host a selling and signing event for Innocent Spouse on Wednesday, June 29. The exact hours are still TBA, but will be posted here when they are confirmed. Assuming mid-day. We'll have books for sale. I'll be there to sign. Lots and lots of great cupcakes, too.
The July InStyle magazine lists twenty "must haves" for the beach. Innocent Spouse is item No. 4 and the editors call the memoir "addictive" reading. Georgetown Cupcake has been considered addictive since the day it opened. This is a perfect match; one good addiction deserves another.
Coming up this week: a "Meet the Author" luncheon at Rivers at the Watergate on Tuesday, June 21, at noon. Lunch and discussion for only $25. For reservations please call 202.333.1600.
06/18/2011
INNOCENT SPOUSE Hunt Country Book Party
A PRETTY SETTING FOR A BOOK DISPLAY; IN THE BACKGROUND, THE MELLON ESTATE
My friends Jean Perin and Sally Hosta hosted a lovely book party for me yesterday evening at Jean's incredibly beautiful home in Upperville, VA. The party was on her southwest facing terrace, overlooking the Mellon estate, which amounted to acres and acres of lush green. Fortunately, the rain held off until almost all of the 72 books were sold. The few left already have been claimed. So, a huge success.
Sally prepared a range of delicious finger foods. The guests were more than 50 of Sally and Jeannie's "hunt country" pals, including several women who sat with me for a spell to tell me their own marital stories. Intriguing. Confidential.
Later, Sally, Jeannie and I headed into Middleburg for a delicious dinner at The French Hound. Thank you, S & J.
JEAN PERIN'S GARDEN, ONE OF THEM, IN THE RAIN
PARTY FLOWERS COURTESY OF ELIZABETH LOCKE
VIEW TOWARD JEAN PERIN'S HOME, NESTLED IN THE TREES
MY MORNING WALK ON A COUNTRY ROAD NAMED ROKEBY
06/15/2011
Such A Fun Georgetown Party
INSIDE ANTIQUES OF GEORGETOWN WEDNESDAY EVENING
I suppose in the end we didn't really care whether we sold much, and we were happy to sell whatever we did sell, because the party was such a fun Georgetown party. Bill Donohue's O Streeet neighbors stopped, including Parking Enforcement's "Officer Stark,"
MYRA MOFFETT, RANDY ROFFMAN, OFFICER STARK, NICHOLAS SHEETZ
Emmy and Harry from Georgetown Dinette, David Friedman from Susquehanna Antiques; Bob Woodward stopped in with his daughter, Diana; Nicholas Sheetz; Andrew, Jonathan, Kathy O'Neill, recently arrived from Shelter Island, Susan Rappaport, Ande Tomasso (formerly of Georgetown, now Bethesda), and so on, plus co-hosts Myra Moffett and Randy Roffman.
BILL OF ANTIQUES OF GEORGETOWN WITH EMMY OF GEORGETOWN DINETTE
We had good sales but there are still some fine nautical and lacrosse prints available -- EXCELLENT FATHER'S DAY GIFTS -- that would handsomely adorn the walls of a den, library, seaside abode, yacht club or office. The prices are fair. I say FAIR. Basically, cost. The America's Cup triptych by Tim Thompson is especially nice and with elegant framing.
THE BUFFET, WHICH ALSO INCLUDED PRINGLES AND GOLDFISH
We had quite a spread of food, including fruit and cheese, cashews, Goldfish, Pringles and crackers, accompanied by French rose wine, French white wine, Heineken and Stella Artois beer, rum and coke, water. Haha. It couldda been the Edgartown Yacht Club.
MYRA MOFFETT COMES IN TO "MEET THE AUTHOR"
Those who showed up included friends, of course, but also fans of Nathans and readers of this blog. (Thank you very much). One man bought "Innocent Spouse" and proceeded to begin reading it right there, in a comfortable chair. We liked that a lot. He was able to recommend it to new arrivals.
MARSHA AND PETE, WHO BOUGHT THEIR HOME FROM BILL, WITH BILL
No one ever seemed to know precisely when the party was supposed to begin or end, so we sorta started at 3ish and went to almost 8, fueled by fresh Mojitos. They were very popular. I think only Myra and I stuck with wine.
TAKING A MOMENT TO SELF-PIC WITH MYRA MOFFETT
ANDREW, THE EXPERT WOOD FINISHER, FLANKED BY TWO NATHANS FANS
Again, please think about buying one of the prints. Bill will have them in the shop for a few days. You can phone him at 202.965.1165. One guest considered them her Christmas shopping.
06/10/2011
Tony Powell's Cool Pix From The Q&A Cafe
All of these good shots were snapped by photographer Tony Powell at the season finale of The Q&A Cafe, when the remarkable John Donvan of ABC News "Nightline" interviewed me. By all means have Tony and his cameras at your next event! Georgetown Cupcake provided the dessert: cupcakes adorned with a replication of the cover of my memoir, "Innocent Spouse." Nice job. The show will air tonight at 8 pm on Channel 16, DC Cable.
06/04/2011
06/03/2011
06/02/2011
"The Morning Of The Lawyers"
...in Washingtonian magazine
Carol Ross Joynt: Excerpt From "Innocent Spouse"
Published Thursday, June 02, 2011
"Life with Howard was a big step up," the author says of her late husband. "It taught me that having money was better."
Looking back, I’ve always called it “the morning of the lawyers.” Like so many twists and turns in my life after my husband, Howard, died suddenly of pneumonia, it seemed benign at the outset.
His accountant said, “You need to call Howard’s lawyers,” and I took that as just another bureaucratic hurdle I had to jump in settling my husband’s estate. My focus was on shoring up whatever needed to be done to protect my son and me and to get Nathans—the saloon in Georgetown that Howard had owned since 1969—sold as quickly as possible. I wanted all the loose ends tied up, some money in the bank, and then a period to grieve and figure out the rest of our lives.
I’d grown up middle class in a military/academic family with little money to spare. From age 18 until I met Howard when I was 26, I’d earned my own way, modestly but comfortably. Life with Howard was a big step up, and it taught me that having money was better. Money bought good schools, good doctors, restful vacations, beautiful homes, excellent services, and a world of agreeable people who more often than not enjoyed similarly comfortable lives. I might be a widow now, but at least my five-year-old son, Spencer, and I would have enough money.
That morning in February 1997, like all the others since Howard’s death two weeks before, I moved from sleep to the wakeful haze of grief. I got up, ran, made breakfast, got Spencer off to school, and prepared to face the day.
I dressed for my meeting like an actress preparing for a role—the role of Howard’s widow. I did it for his sake. He had always been particular, and I wanted him to approve of my appearance. I wore my best black suit and shoes and my most discreet jewelry. The only thing missing was a black veil.
The offices of Caplin & Drysdale are in an impressive building on DC’s Thomas Circle. The firm specializes in tax law and is named for heavy hitters Mortimer Caplin, a former commissioner of the IRS, and Douglas Drysdale, a tax lawyer with more than four decades of experience.
I stepped off the elevator. There was a wash of cool gray in the walls, the carpet, the furniture, and the mood. The receptionist invited me to take a seat. “I’ll let them know you’re here, Mrs. Joynt,” she said.
I sat on a gray sofa, handbag in lap, and stared into the middle distance. The experience was new to me, and a little unsettling. Lawyers, contracts, business matters—these were all things Howard had handled on his own. My meeting today, I assumed, would be a formality. The lawyers would offer their condolences, maybe have me sign some documents, wish me well, and send me on my way.
Next: The case is now your responsibility. You are the defendant.
06/01/2011
"Innocent Spouse" Review at Forbes.com
Jun. 1 2011 - 9:22 am | 107 views |
Innocent Spouse by Carol Ross Joynt (Crown 2011) is a great new book about a common tax problem. When a couple files a joint tax return both are fully liable not only for what’s on the return but also for what may not be, like illegal income, gambling winnings, or foreign bank accounts. The IRS can judge one party “innocent” to let him (or more often her) off the hook, but convincing the IRS isn’t easy.
Innocent spouse cases clog the courts and are a hot topic among tax reformers. National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson has rightly lambasted the IRS for its caustic handling of some cases. Many in Congress recently asked for reform, and IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman has promised to review of innocent spouse procedures. See IRS To Give Innocent Spouse A Facelift. But the problems and inequities run deep, as Carol Joynt’s book reveals.
When Carol’s husband died unexpectedly, she ended up owning Nathans, a D.C. restaurant and bar. Unfortunately, she learns her husband was under criminal investigation by the IRS, and it’s going to take $3 million to pay them off. Seeing what she’s up against, Carol receives an IRS report about her reading “like the tumescent tabloid profile of a frivolous, spendthrift airhead.” p. 39.
Not knowing that her husband couldn’t pay for the life they were living and that his statements about family money were lies, she asks herself why she never asked any questions! She refers to her spousal relationship as “marital don’t ask, don’t tell.” p. 171. Such head-in-the-sand attitudes make our national obsession with joint tax return filing–95% of married couples file jointly–difficult to understand. See Consider Tax Filing Status Carefully.
But it’s not only Carol who faced tax problems. The restaurant had dozens of employees whose lives and finances were upended. Signature authority can mean payroll tax liability, and some received off the books income they hadn’t reported. Yet despite Carol’s terrible tale, the IRS eventually granted her innocent spouse status.
That makes Carol one of the lucky ones. Many women face a kind of IRS inquisition. The putative innocent spouse puts her own character and actions in issue by claiming she had no idea what was going on. Yet the IRS seems to go overboard, often painting an abused spouse as a willing accomplice to her tax-cheat husband or a feckless ignoramus spending money she should have known was owed for taxes.
Innocent Spouse does a great job of highlighting a huge tax problem and is entertaining to boot. It is a page-turning read about unexpected reversals of fortune, and all of us should be wary of such threats. For 95% of married Americans, that threat is a veritable sword of Damocles–we never know when it may fall. After all, who knows what evil (or sloth or honest but stupid mistakes) lurks in the hearts of men (and women)?
Innocent Spouse, by Carol Ross Joynt, ISBN 978-0-307-59209-5, is available at www.crownpublishing.com.
For more see:
05/28/2011
05/27/2011
05/25/2011
"Innocent Spouse" The Focus Of "Success In The City" & MORE FREE STUFF
MY HOSTS AT MORGAN STANLEY IN TYSONS, CLAIRE M.S. MEADE AND CYNTHIA DE LORENZI
Another great interview experience. It happened this morning over breakfast with the folks who do "Success In The City," chiefly interviewer/host Cynthia de Lorenzi. Wonderful audience, good questions, and I was seriously touched by the beautiful bouquet of long-stemmed pink roses. "Here she comes, Miss ..." That's what it felt like.
HOW ABOUT THOSE BEAUTIFUL ROSES?
I loved meeting all the members of the group and especially doing an event outside the borders of Washington, DC. More more, please. When the video is up I will link to it asap. For now, thank you to Claire M.S. Meade of Morgan Stanley, our host; Cynthia; and Pillsbury, Winthrop, Shaw, Pittman. Great start to the day. But now, since I got up at 5:30 a.m., there may be need for a nap, to rejuve for tonight's big event, the book party at City Tavern Club, ironically, just steps from where the story basically begins. The info for the party is on the "home" page. Please join us, but do remember to RSVP.
Cover your eyes if your tender, before reading on:
Oh, Oh! And I totally forgot: when I got back to my car in the lot near Morgan Stanley there was a card in the windshield. Written on it in a bold hand was: ASS HOLE!
Unh? Not sure that was meant for me. Maybe my old rust bucket matches the ancient ride of the man who is macking on some other dude's woman, because, well, usually women aren't called that particular word. We're called plenty of others, for certain, but that's generally not one of them. I put it into my pocket with the plan, at the appropriate time, to pay it forward.
05/23/2011
05/20/2011
Carol Joynt has "a perfect eye, an infallible ear and the unequaled gift of rearranging the alphabet into words which both entertain and mean f**cking something."
-- "Hollywood Bob"
THE Q&A CAFE
The Q&A Cafe is now in its 21st year. We launched in October 2001 at Nathans in Georgetown as a response to the September 11 terror attacks, and from that initial purpose grew into a weekly community interview lunch, the first "talk show in a bar." When Nathans closed in 2009 we moved to the Ritz Carlton Hotel and since 2015 our home has been The George Town Club. Some 500 notable individuals, from all fields, have appeared for interviews, which are taped and air Fridays on DC Cable. All are welcomed to attend. For reservations: 202-333-9330.
Watch the Q&A Cafe
Visit this link to view our archive of broadcasts: The Q&A Cafe on YouTube
About Carol Joynt
Emmy-winning CBS News producer, talk show guest wrangler, published author, host of The Q&A Cafe, print & digital journalist, filmmaker, photog, and former saloon owner. Read more...
"Innocent Spouse"
Here is information for my popular memoir Innocent Spouse...
MEDIA: For book-related inquiries, please contact my agent, Laney Becker, at 212-243-8480