In 2016 when i submitted the alimony I paid to my ex $12,000. This helped lower my income and gave me a tax benefit. This year it lowered to $5,200, I owed taxes. Why?

[DanO · Accepted solution]

If you paid $5,200 in alimony this year compared to $12,000 last year, you are paying taxes on almost $7,000 more income. When you pay alimony, the amount is deducted from your taxable income, and that could possibly change your tax bracket to pay a higher rate.