My x hasn't paid income tax in 15 years

[SuzyD210]

Even though he has owned and ran his own painting business making an average of $50,000 - $70,000 per year. He owes me around 18,000.00 for working with him all last year and since I know I'll never see a dime of that money, I was wondering if I turn him into the IRS, can I get any of the money he owes me from them? He owns no home. However, he does have about $20,000.00 in fish aquariums and about $20,000.00 in painting equipment/supplies and he owns a 96 Ford Explorer. Will the IRS consider his "lack" of assets in their decision to pursue him or not? I have all the clients names and addresses (and bids, contracts, and invoices) that he and I worked for last summer - we made over $70,000.00 over 7 months and he never paid me one dime. Should I turn him into the IRS?

[Law200]

Best to sue him in small claims or other court.

Based on what you say here, you could file suit against him (or at least threaten to do so) in small claims court or in regular court; filing in small claims court is easier and requires no attorney...you could try to collect all of the costs and damages that you suffered due to his behavior...