A couple separates at the end of the year, husband paid alimony to wife, they file married filing jointly, do they claim payment & receiving alimony on their income tax?

[aidyeltaeb]

The payments started in October. The payments were court ordered but they are only separated not divorced. Can they file married filing jointly still? Turbo tax gives an error that alimony recipient cannot be spouse of alimony payer.

[Vanessa]

If they were still married as of December 31 then yes, they can still file a joint return.

If they are filing a joint return, they cannot claim the payment or receipt of alimony.  Your income is combined on a joint return so it is like you are paying yourself.