How can I avoid paying taxes on a divorce settlement?

How can I avoid paying taxes on a divorce settlement?

To avoid this mandatory withholding, the transfer must be made directly to another retirement account, such as your own IRA. Once the assets are in your retirement account, you are now subject to the early distribution rules.

What do divorce settlements look for?

There are many factors to consider, including assets, incomes, living expenses, inflation, alimony, child support, taxes, retirement plans, investments, medical expenses and health insurance costs, and child-related expenses such as education.

Is divorce settlement considered income?

If the cash settlement you received from your husband was for equalization of matrimonial property, then it is not considered taxable or tax deductible. A Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (such as myself) will ensure that what you settle for makes sense from a financial perspective.

Are divorce settlements tax free?

Maintenance payments made by a spouse or that are attributable to a payment made by a spouse is exempt income of the receiving spouse. If a spouse receives income from an existing trust as maintenance payments instead of directly from the other spouse, tax will be payable on that income.

How are tax refunds split in divorce?

Community property states treat all income as earned by both of you, so you must therefore divide it 50-50 on your separate returns. For example, if you earned $150,000 and your spouse earned $30,000, she must report $90,000 and you must as well. The same holds true with most available tax deductions.