ARE SUPPORT PAYMENTS MADE TO MY ESTRANGED WIFE DEDUCTIBLE IF THEY WERE NOT COURT ORDERED, SHE DESERTED ME BUT I SEND HER PAYMENTS WHILE THE DIVORCE IS IS IN PROGRESS?

[supertankee]

THERE IS NO CHILD SUPPORT INVOLVED

[MicheleR · Accepted solution]

FOR TAX YEAR 2018 AND PRIOR

You can deduct alimony paid to or for a spouse or former spouse under a divorce or separation decree, regardless of whether you itemize deductions. Voluntary payments made outside a divorce or separation decree are not deductible. 

See the IRS website for, Deducting Alimony Payments and Topic Number 452 - Alimony for more information.

If you qualify to claim alimony paid, please see TurboTax FAQ for instructions to claim it.

TurboTax FAQ - Can I deduct alimony?

https://ttlc.intuit.com/replies/5124109