Tax Implications Of A Divorce

Jun 24, 2016

Divorce can be stressful enough without discovering down the road the assets weren’t divided equitably even when spouses were in agreement about the division of their property. Failing to take taxes into account may be to blame when one spouse receives a smaller net share than expected.

Here are some issues to consider if divorce is on your horizon.

Taxable or Not Taxable?

Legal_Balance3Payments from one spouse to the other can have tax consequences for both spouses depending on how the payments are designated. Alimony generally is deductible by the spouse who pays it and is taxable to the recipient. Child support isn’t tax deductible by the person paying it nor is it taxable income to the recipient.

Who Claims the Exemptions?
The IRS has specific rules for determining which spouse is entitled to claim the dependency exemptions for the couple’s children. Who claims the exemption can also affect eligibility for certain tax credits, such as the child tax credit. Typically, the custodial parent claims the dependency exemption. However, parents can also choose to alternate claiming the exemption. And couples with more than one child may decide to split the exemptions.

The QDRO and Retirement Benefits

A qualified domestic relations order (QDRO) is a court order that specifies the property rights regarding qualified retirement plan assets of a spouse or dependent during a divorce. A QDRO allows the transfer of all or a portion of the assets in a qualified retirement plan from one spouse to the other without loss of the plan’s tax advantages. A QDRO should be carefully executed to avoid costly mistakes.

What’s Its Future Worth?

The value of assets that seem equal may no longer be equal once taxes come into play. Selling an asset in the future may create a tax liability. So spouses will need to consider more than current value when dividing investments and similar property.

Issues related to dividing assets during a divorce can be complex. Couples should seek professional advice.

Categories: Other Resources, Tax Compliance, Tax Planning