Help!!!Alimony and AGI question for exam tomorrow?

Question

Is Alimony a for AGI deduction, or an exclusion from gross income for the person paying it? I have an exam tomorrow and the textbook and professor have different opions. Thanks

Answer 1

You will find your answer here and here -- http://www.irs.gov/publications/p504/index.html
http://www.irs.gov/publications/p17/index.html

In short -- Alimony is a payment to or for a spouse or former spouse under a divorce or separation instrument. It does not include voluntary payments that are not made under a divorce or separation instrument. Alimony is deductible by the payer and must be included in the spouse's or former spouse's income. Enter the amount of alimony you paid on Form 1040, line 31a. In the space provided on line 31b, enter your spouse's social security number.

Answer 2

Alimony paid is an adjustment to gross income. It appears in the tax return and reduces gross income for the person paying it..

Referring to alimony as a "deduction" is OK, but "exclusion" is misleading, since alimony is income to the recipient.

Answer 3

Your terminology is a little shaky, but I think both are really saying the same thing. Alimony is an adjustment to gross income and is figured in to calculate AGI.

Answer 4

Alimony is taxable to the person receiving it and deductible as an adjustment to AGI to the person paying it.

Answer 5

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Answer 6

I dont think so or it would be considered income to the person receiving it. Ive never had to do either but I would say no. Plus it doesnt make sense.