My ex paid my rent in 2017 directly to a 3rd party (complex) but this was not in our separation agreement. Do I need to count this as paid alimony?

[DoninGA]

No.  That would be a gift and gifts received from an individual are not reported on a tax return, regardless of the amount received.

[Vanessa A]

If this was not part of your separation agreement or part of the court order then it would not count as alimony for tax purposes. 

Voluntary payments are not considered alimony.

[Carl]

Also, if your state offers a "renter's credit" you can still claim it, because you did "in fact" pay the rent with "your" money. It's your money, because it was gifted to you.

[kwollinger1970]

Thanks so much! If he did pay them and can prove it was paid (in lieu of alimony which is in our agreement) can he still deduct this on his return? Our alimony agreement states he would pay me monthly but he paid it directly to my complex versus paying me directly.