I paid alimony in 2018 to former spouse under a legal separation finalized by court order in Nov. I live in CA and she in HI. I'm filing in CA. Does she file in HI?

[stkiboy]

Because the alimony payments I'm making leave CA to my wife in HI, it appears that CA might question why I'm getting such a large CA State return due to the alimony deduction.  Would my ex-spouse have to file State taxes in Hawaii since alimony is income?

[CarolynM · Accepted solution]

Yes, as a Hawaii resident she needs to file and report the alimony as income on her Hawaii return.

If California ever questions why you have such a large refund, you have your court documents to support your deduction. I advise keeping a proof of your payment (bank record, copy of check) with your court records in case it is ever an issue.

Source: https://www.maritallaws.com/states/hawaii/alimony