But if the trust fund recovery penalty is assessed against only one of the spouses, their situation will be markedly better.

FORBES: Expert View

If the business fails to pay its payroll taxes, the IRS could assert the trust fund recovery penalty against both the CEO and the bookkeeper.

FORBES

Once a trust fund recovery penalty is assessed, a lien (legal claim) for it arises against all of the responsible person's property then owned or later acquired.

FORBES

What Is The Trust Fund Recovery Penalty?

FORBES: With Taxes "Responsible" Means Holding The Bag