Question: I pay alimony. Is it deductible?
Answer: Yes, alimony is deductible by the one paying it and taxable income to the one receiving it. In fact, for the payer, it is an “above-the-line” deduction which means it can be deducted to arrive at adjusted gross income (AGI) even if you take the standard deduction on your income tax return.
Any alimony you pay under a divorce decree or agreement is deductible. Amounts paid that are not required by the agreement are not deductible. Child support is not deductible by the payer and is not taxable income to the recipient.
