Somerset Child Custody Lawyer: Taxes for Child Support and Alimony

It can be confusing following a divorce for an individual to understand what is and is not taxable concerning child support and alimony in New Jersey. Payments of child support in New Jersey are not taxable. The recipient of the child support will not need to pay taxes on the payment received, nor will the payer have the ability to use the payment as a tax deduction. Alimony in New Jersey, however, is different from child support concerning what is taxable, making it all the more befuddling for New Jersey residents.

As opposed to child support, an individual receiving alimony in New Jersey will be taxed on the payments received. Also differing from child support, the person paying alimony in New Jersey will be able to deduct the payments made on their tax return. If a payment is made by an individual concerning child support and alimony yet is less than what is owed, then that money will go towards child support first. Also, settlements of property that do not involve the exchange of money are not considered alimony.

What is Considered Alimony in New Jersey?

In order for a payment to be considered alimony, that payment must be set up under a divorce or separation decree. A skilled family law lawyer that focuses on these issues can help when it comes to this distinction.

The following is a list of instances a payment, in regards to tax functions, will be considered alimony in New Jersey:

• You and your spouse or former spouse file separate tax returns, not a joint tax return.
• If payments are made by cash, check or money order.
• If payments are made or received by your spouse or former spouse.
• You and your spouse or former spouse do not share the same household while legally separated.

Somerset Child Custody Lawyer, Kisha M. Hebbon, Can Help with Child Support and Alimony Needs

 At the Law Offices of Kisha M. Hebbon, LLC, our Somerset divorce lawyers have the experience to assist you with any questions or inquiries you may have regarding child support or alimony in New Jersey. Our offices are located in Somerset, New Jersey and we represent clients throughout New Jersey including Somerset County, Middlesex County, Union County and including but not limited to the towns of Somerset, Franklin, Bridgewater, New Brunswick, East Brunswick, Plainfield, Edison, Metuchen, Woodbridge, Piscataway, Old Bridge, Rahway, Linden, Elizabeth, Cranford, Summit, Union, Clark, Elizabeth, Berkeley Heights, and Scotch Plains.  Contact us online or call 732-633-2224 today.