Can you claim spousal support on your taxes

Not all payments under a divorce or separation instrument are alimony. Alimony doesn't include:. Child support is never deductible and isn't considered income. Additionally, if a divorce or separation instrument provides for alimony and child support, and the payer spouse pays less than the total required, the payments apply to child support first. Only the remaining amount is considered alimony. If you paid amounts that are considered alimony, you may deduct from income the amount of alimony you paid whether or not you itemize your deductions.

Individual Income Tax Return. If you received amounts that are considered alimony, you must include the amount of alimony you received as income. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return. For more detailed information on the requirements for alimony and instances in which you may need to recapture an amount that was reported or deducted recapture of alimony , see Publication , Divorced or Separated Individuals.

For more information on decrees and agreements executed before , see the version of Publication View solution in original post. Contact Us.

Home Blog Should you claim spousal support on your taxes? Should you claim spousal support on your taxes? Posted on: Unless you have always dreamed of being an accountant, chances are you are not a fan of taxes.

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Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Taxes Taxable Income. Table of Contents Expand. Table of Contents. Tax Rules for Divorces Before Reporting Alimony You've Received. Reporting Alimony You've Paid. Requirements for Deducting Payments. Amending Your Tax Return. The Alimony Recapture Rule. He has written hundreds of articles covering topics including filing taxes, solving tax issues, tax credits and deductions, tax planning, and taxable income.

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