Taxes on Spousal Support

Married couples who are getting ready to break up often have an assortment of uncertainties, from wondering how child support is calculated to custody matters, spousal support and other family law issues. We know how stressful divorce can be for people in Salt Lake City, and throughout all of Utah’s communities. Moreover, divorce can lead to additional responsibilities down the road, such as those involving taxes.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TAXES ON SPOUSAL SUPPORT?

According to the Internal Revenue Service’s site, you are required to pay taxes on spousal support that you have received. Also known as alimony, spousal support must be reported as income when you file your tax return. It is also important to understand that spousal support payments can be deducted by those who made them. In fact, taxpayers can deduct alimony payments they have made regardless of whether their deductions are itemized.

When working through divorce matters, it is vital for both parties to strive for a positive outcome. In some cases, couples are able to turn to a divorce mediator for a smoother experience. From spousal support to child support and the division of marital property, there are a number of topics that married couples may have to discuss and it is important for you to have a comprehensive understanding of your different options.

If you are struggling with any of the legal matters that married couples may encounter when going through divorce, it is important to understand that this piece does not serve as a substitute for legal recommendations.

CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT IN UTAH

According to the United States Department of Justice, child support enforcement issues are typically handled by local and state authorities. Although there are instances when federal authorities take action, it is usually best to report child support enforcement matters to law enforcement officials at the state and local level. As a result, it is fundamental for people in Salt Lake City who are dealing with issues related to child support enforcement to understand how these cases are handled in Utah.

On the website of the Office of Recovery Services, helpful information was published for parents who are looking into child support enforcement. The ORS provides various services, such as gathering information on non-custodial parents (address, assets and income), establishing paternity for children of unmarried parents and enforcing child support orders. There are a number of ways the ORS enforces child support orders, including withholding the income of non-custodial parents, levying their bank accounts, imposing liens on their property and reporting their back child support to credit bureaus, among others.

While the ORS offers useful services to custodial parents, they cannot guarantee that parents will receive the child support they are owed. Also, under Utah law, the ORS is only able to gather back child support for four years after the date that the last child in an order from Utah turns 18. For parents who are owed back child support, daily life is often challenging and some believe they will never receive the support they are owed. However, it is important for custodial parents to consider every option on the table and take advantage of the resources that are available.

Free Initial Consultation with Spousal Support Lawyer

If you need help with family law, call Ascent Law for your free consultation (801) 676-5506. We want to help you.

Michael Anderson

People who want a lot of Bull go to a Butcher. People who want results navigating a complex legal field go to a Lawyer that they can trust. That’s where I come in. I am Michael Anderson, an Attorney in the Salt Lake area focusing on the needs of the Average Joe wanting a better life for him and his family. I’m the Lawyer you can trust. I grew up in Utah and love it here. I am a Father to three, a Husband to one, and an Entrepreneur. I understand the feelings of joy each of those roles bring, and I understand the feeling of disappointment, fear, and regret when things go wrong. I attended the University of Utah where I received a B.A. degree in 2010 and a J.D. in 2014. I have focused my practice in Wills, Trusts, Real Estate, and Business Law. I love the thrill of helping clients secure their future, leaving a real legacy to their children. Unfortunately when problems arise with families. I also practice Family Law, with a focus on keeping relationships between the soon to be Ex’s civil for the benefit of their children and allowing both to walk away quickly with their heads held high. Before you worry too much about losing everything that you have worked for, before you permit yourself to be bullied by your soon to be ex, before you shed one more tear in silence, call me. I’m the Lawyer you can trust.

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