topic If my retirement check deducts $350 a month to my ex wife, is this deductable? in Retirement tax questions

If my retirement check deducts $350 a month to my ex wife, is this deductable?

joelbobbi — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 09:57:40 GMT

Re: If my retirement check deducts $350 a month to my ex wife, is this deductable?

Opus 17 — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 13:46:56 GMT

That may be somewhat complicated. Do you have a QDRO (qualified domestic relations order)? Who is the payer of the retirement income? When you receive your 1099R statement, does it reflect the gross amount, or the net amount after the payment to your ex? Is the payment required by a divorce decree that was signed prior to December 31, 2018?

Re: If my retirement check deducts $350 a month to my ex wife, is this deductable?

JohnB5677 — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 15:04:32 GMT

Perhaps. When you get divorced your ex-partner may be entitled to a portion of your retirement.

For a divorce decree that was signed up until December 31, 2018. payments would be deductible by you as alimony, and taxable to your Ex. Even if you write a check.
For divorce decrees signed January 1, 2019 or after, it is not deductible to the payor, and also not taxed to the recipient. The amount on your 1099-R will be taxable to you.
However, if it was paid under a QDRO - Qualified Domestic Relations Order, the plan will make payments directly to the ex-spouse, and they will get a separate 1099-R.

IRS Retirement Topics - Divorce