If you have both a pension and alimony on the line in divorce, those are treated as separate, but interrelated issues. A pension payment to the other spouse is not considered alimony. However, it may be considered as income to the other spouse, which ultimately impacts the alimony calculation.

Can I claim ex spouse as dependent?

In a finalized divorce, you cannot claim an ex-wife as a dependent on your tax return. She is responsible for filing her own taxes and, therefore, you cannot claim her as well.

Is there a tax deduction for alimony in a divorce?

Skip to main content. Amounts paid to a spouse or a former spouse under a divorce or separation instrument (including a divorce decree, a separate maintenance decree, or a written separation agreement) may be alimony for federal tax purposes. Alimony is deductible by the payer spouse, and the recipient spouse must include it in income.

Do you have to pay alimony if you have a joint tax return?

Live apart. If you are still living with your spouse or former spouse, alimony payments are not tax-deductible. You must make payments after physical separation for them to qualify as tax-deductible. Don’t file a joint tax return. If you and your spouse file a joint income tax return, you can’t deduct alimony payments. Don’t pay extra upfront.

Can you deduct mortgage interest on alimony payments?

If your spouse owns the home, and you’re paying the mortgage, taxes, or home insurance costs, you may deduct the payments as alimony because it’s for your spouse’s benefit. However, even though you’re paying for the loan interest and taxes, your ex-spouse can take advantage of the deductions because it’s that spouse’s primary residence.

Do you have to pay alimony to a separated spouse?

The spouses who are legally separated under a decree are not members of the same household at the time the payment is made. There is no liability to make any payment (or a substitute for a payment) following the death of the recipient spouse.