Can you write off spousal support?

Can you write off spousal support?

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted new tax rules regarding spousal support payments, also known as alimony. In divorces finalized after Janu, the person paying spousal support can no longer deduct the amount from their taxes. For recipients, spousal support payments are no longer considered taxable income.

Do I have to claim spousal support as income?

If you receive monthly spousal support, you must pay income tax on the total support you receive each year. And, you can claim a tax deduction on legal fees spent to get monthly spousal support. But, if you receive all of your spousal support at once in a lump-sum payment, you do not pay income tax on it.

Is alimony calculated from gross income?

States that base alimony calculations on net income typically begin with gross income, then apply a uniform, statutory list of allowable deductions. Therefore, net income is usually determined as your gross income minus taxes and, if applicable, mandatory union dues.