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Are alimony payments deductible from your taxable income?

On Behalf of | Aug 14, 2016 | Spousal Support

Taxable income refers to the amount of money you earn in a given year from which the IRS may collect taxes. Generally, taxable income is the sum of all your revenue minus adjustments and deductions. Alimony, or spousal maintenance payments, are considered adjustments to income. In short, spousal support is deductible from your income.

Since this income is taxable, you may subtract any payments you made from your income when you are filing your taxes. But, and this is important, you must keep detailed records of every payment you made. If the IRS audits your tax return, they will request proof that you actually made these payments. Also keep in mind that your deductions must match your ex-spouse’s increase in income. In other words, the amount you paid out should be reflected in the amount your ex-spouse received.

Yes, received alimony payments, unlike child support, are added into taxable income. Therefore, if you take a deduction, your ex-spouse must increase his or her taxable income to reflect the payments.

If you are trying to resolve a spousal support dispute, you may want to contact a lawyer. An outsider’s perspective, especially one with family law experience, is critical to efficiently resolving these disputes. The last thing you want is to spend the next year fighting over your spousal support obligations. In the meantime, you are unable to move on because you have this lawsuit tied around your neck. A lawyer can help you move past these disputes so you can begin living your life.

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