Lynn Paslowski CPA

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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / The Tax Effects of Divorce or Separation

The Tax Effects of Divorce or Separation

September 26, 2016 By admin Leave a Comment

The Tax Effects of Divorce or Separation

NJCPA  August 25, 2016

The Tax Effects of Divorce or Separation

If you are divorcing or recently divorced, taxes may be the last thing on your mind. However, these events can have a big impact on your wallet. Alimony and a name or address change are just a few items you may need to consider. Here are some key tax tips to keep in mind:

  • Child Support. Child support payments are not deductible and if you received child support, it is not taxable.
  • Alimony Paid. You can deduct alimony paid to or for a spouse or former spouse under a divorce or separation decree, regardless of whether you itemize deductions. Voluntary payments made outside a divorce or separation decree are not deductible. You must enter your spouse’s Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number on your Form 1040 when you file.
  • Alimony Received. If you get alimony from your spouse or former spouse, it is taxable in the year you get it. Alimony is not subject to tax withholding so you may need to increase the tax you pay during the year to avoid a penalty. To do this, you can make estimated tax payments or increase the amount of tax withheld from your wages.
  • Spousal IRA. If you get a final decree of divorce or separate maintenance by the end of your tax year, you can’t deduct contributions you make to your former spouse’s traditional IRA. You may be able to deduct contributions you make to your own traditional IRA.
  • Name Changes. If you change your name after your divorce, be sure to notify the Social Security Administration. File Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security Card. You can get the form on SSA.gov or call 800-772-1213 to order it. The name on your tax return must match SSA records. A name mismatch can cause problems in the processing of your return and may delay your refund.
  • Special Marketplace Enrollment Period. If you lose health insurance coverage due to divorce, you are still required to have coverage for every month of the year for yourself and the dependents you can claim on your tax return. You may enroll in health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace during aSpecial Enrollment Period, if you lose coverage due to a divorce.
  • Changes in Circumstances. If you purchase health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you may get advance payments of the premium tax credit. If you do, you should report changes in circumstances to your Marketplace throughout the year. These changes include a change in marital status, a name change, a change of address and a change in your income or family size. Reporting these changes will help make sure that you get the proper type and amount of financial assistance. This will also help you avoid getting too much or too little credit in advance.
  • Shared Policy Allocation. If you divorced or are legally separated during the tax year and are enrolled in the same qualified health plan, you and your former spouse must allocate policy amounts on your separate tax returns to figure your premium tax credit and reconcile any advance payments made on your behalf.Publication 974, Premium Tax Credit, has more information about the Shared Policy Allocation. For more on this topic, see Publication 504, Divorced or Separated Individuals. You can get it on IRS.gov/forms at any time.

IRS Tax Tips provide valuable information throughout the year. IRS.gov offers tax help and info on various topics including common tax scams, taxpayer rights and more.

Additional IRS Resources:

  • Publications 590-A, Contributions to Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs)
  • Publication 555, Community Property
  • Publication 974, Premium Tax Credit
  • Publication 5152: Report changes to the Marketplace as they happen — English | Spanish

IRS YouTube Videos:

  • Premium Tax Credit: Changes in Circumstances — English | Spanish | ASL

IRS Podcasts:

  • Premium Tax Credit: Changes in Circumstances — English | Spanish

Filed Under: Uncategorized

How am I qualified to support you or become part of your business team?

I began practicing in 2001 after having worked in local and regional public accounting firms in New Jersey, specializing in small business and individual taxation. After graduating summa cum laude from Georgian Court University in 1998 with a Bachelors degree in Accounting, I went on to earn an MBA from Georgian Court in 2003 and also became a Certified Public Accountant. 

I have earned many awards and accolades throughout my academic career, graduating at the top of my class, and am currently an active member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants as well as the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants.

Please contact me for more information on how I can help you come up with new and creative ideas to minimize your taxes and help grow your business. I look forward to speaking with you soon and earning your trust.

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