My alimony paid shows on my pay stub, but not my W2. What figure do I enter on 1040 line 31?

[MichaelL1 · Accepted solution]

List the actual amount paid on line 31 of your return as the Alimony paid does not need to be on your W-2.  

"If you paid amounts that are considered alimony, you may deduct from income the amount of alimony you paid whether or not you itemize your deductions. Alimony payments are only deductible on Form 1040 (PDF), U.S. Individual Income Tax Return. You must enter the social security number (SSN) or individual taxpayer identification number (ITIN) of the spouse or former spouse receiving the payments or your deduction may be disallowed and you may have to pay a $50 penalty."

Source:  https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc452.html