Can I deduct alimony I paid to my ex-spouse?

You can deduct alimony paid to a former spouse as long the divorce or separation agreement was executed by December 31, 2018.

Alimony payments resulting from agreements executed after that date can no longer be deducted due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that Congress signed into law on December 22, 2017. The same holds true for agreements modified after 2018 if the new version specifically states that the TCJA treatment of nondeductible alimony payments now applies.

To enter your alimony payments:

1. Open or continue your return.
2. Navigate to the alimony section:
   • TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to alimony paid.
   • TurboTax Desktop: Select Search Topics. Search for and select alimony paid.
3. Answer Yes on the Did you pay alimony to a former spouse in 2024? screen and follow the onscreen instructions.

Unlike alimony payments, you can't deduct child support.