Are alimony payments taxable/deductible?

Created by Shubha Bisht, Modified on Wed, 24 Jan at 12:38 PM by Shubha Bisht

Whether or not alimony payments are taxable or deductible depends on a few factors.

Generally, if the divorce or separation agreement executed on or after Jan. 1, 2019 the*Alimony payments paid to you are no longer considered taxable income.*Alimony payments paid by you are no longer deductible, per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

Generally, if the divorce or separation agreement executed on or before Dec. 31, 2018 then:

Alimony payments paid to you are considered taxable income.
Alimony payments paid by you are considered deductible.

Note: There are some exceptions for agreements modified after Dec. 31, 2018.

This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as tax, legal, financial, or other professional advice. Rules and regulations vary by location and are subject to change, so please consult with an expert if you need specific advice.