Short Answer

Not automatically. In North Carolina, you generally owe tax and penalties only on income that is truly yours. Being listed as a “partner” without your consent does not by itself create a valid partnership or tax liability. You should dispute any unauthorized returns with the IRS and the North Carolina Department of Revenue (NCDOR), file correct returns if needed, and use your partition mediation to secure indemnity and an escrow holdback to protect sale proceeds while any tax dispute is resolved.

Understanding the Problem

North Carolina: As a co-owner in a partition action, can you be held responsible for state or federal taxes and fines from years you did not file because a co-owner listed you as a business partner without your consent? One key fact: a mediation is scheduled to negotiate a buyout of your ownership share.

Apply the Law

Under North Carolina law, a taxpayer is responsible for state income tax on their own income, and penalties can apply if required returns are not filed or tax is unpaid. However, tax agencies will generally correct accounts when someone is falsely reported on returns (identity theft or unauthorized filing). Co-ownership of real estate and participation in a partition action do not, by themselves, create a partnership or a flow‑through tax liability. In a partition case, mediation supervised through the Clerk of Superior Court’s process can be used to resolve related disputes and include settlement terms that protect you, such as indemnity and escrow of proceeds. If NCDOR issues a proposed assessment, you must respond by the deadline on the notice to preserve your rights; penalties may be reduced for reasonable cause if you act promptly and document the unauthorized filing.

Key Requirements

• Real tax liability: Liability follows actual or properly allocated income; an unauthorized “partner” label alone does not create it.
• Dispute unauthorized filings: Notify IRS and NCDOR, provide proof, and file corrected or protective returns as needed.
• Deadlines matter: If you get an NCDOR notice or assessment, respond by the stated date to preserve review rights.
• Mediation tools: Use the partition mediation to negotiate indemnity, reimbursement, and an escrow holdback from sale or buyout proceeds.
• Trust account disbursement: Attorney trust accounts can hold and disburse proceeds with your written authorization, including agreed holdbacks for disputed liabilities.

What the Statutes Say

• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 105-236 (Tax penalties and interest) – Authorizes civil penalties and interest for tax violations; penalties may be waived for reasonable cause.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. § 7A-38.3B (Mediation in matters within the clerk’s jurisdiction) – Allows the Clerk of Superior Court to order or approve mediation, commonly used to settle partition disputes and related terms.
• North Carolina Gen. Stat. Chapter 46A (Partition) – Governs partition actions and procedures handled through the Clerk of Superior Court.

Analysis

Apply the Rule to the Facts: You were listed as a partner without consent. That label alone does not make you liable; North Carolina tax liability follows actual income or valid allocations. You should promptly dispute any unauthorized filings and file corrected returns if needed. Because a mediation is scheduled for your partition buyout, use it to negotiate indemnity from the co‑owner and an escrow holdback of part of the sale/buyout proceeds until tax agencies confirm no liability or the co‑owner reimburses any assessed amounts.

Process & Timing

1. Who files: You. Where: IRS and NCDOR. What: File corrected federal returns (e.g., Form 1040-X) and, if needed, an amended North Carolina individual return (Form D‑400 with Schedule AM) to remove unauthorized partnership items; submit identity‑theft/unauthorized filing documentation. When: As soon as possible, and by any response date printed on IRS/NCDOR notices.
2. Mediation terms: At the partition mediation before the Clerk of Superior Court process, negotiate: (a) indemnity and reimbursement by the co‑owner for any taxes, penalties, interest, and professional fees tied to the unauthorized “partnership,” (b) an escrow holdback from the buyout/sale proceeds in your attorney’s trust account to cover disputed liabilities, with clear release triggers and timelines, and (c) a written use-and-occupancy/vacate agreement for your apartment with a definite move‑out date and condition terms.
3. Confirm and disburse: After settlement, memorialize terms in a signed agreement and, if appropriate, a consent order in the partition file. The trust account disburses fees you authorize and retains any agreed escrow until tax matters close, then pays the balance as the agreement directs.

Exceptions & Pitfalls

• If there was a genuine partnership (shared profits, control, and intent), tax may be allocated to you even without cash distributions.
• Do not assume mediation pauses tax deadlines; tax clocks keep running unless the agency grants relief.
• Silence can hurt you: failing to contest a proposed assessment can lock in penalties and interest.
• Document everything: provide written proof that you did not authorize the “partner” designation; keep copies of all notices and filings.
• Make escrow terms specific: amount, release conditions (e.g., tax agency confirmation letter or lapse of assessment period), and who pays fees if a dispute continues.

Talk to a Partition Action Attorney

If you’re dealing with a partition buyout and unauthorized tax filings tied to your co-owner, our firm has experienced attorneys who can help you understand your options and timelines. Call us today at [919-341-7055].

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about North Carolina law based on the single question stated above. It is not legal advice for your specific situation and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws, procedures, and local practice can change and may vary by county. If you have a deadline, act promptly and speak with a licensed North Carolina attorney.