Coming to think of it: child support.
Dec 14th 2002, 10:18 am
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 237
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
Jenney,
That actual does clear it up for me. The way it looks now to me is that if we actually had the kids here, and they were actual dependents, we could take the child credit. But, we are only sending child support payments which if we were sending them to a US ex-spouse, they would not be deductible, which would lead to foreign payments also not being deductible.
Thing that stinks, is that his payment of 300 british pounds is going to be something like $450 per month, and we haven't found him work yet. Oh well, thats the responsibility of being a grown up I guess. We really wanted the kids to come with us, but I didn't really expect their mom to let them go. I wouln't have. Thanks for your input
That actual does clear it up for me. The way it looks now to me is that if we actually had the kids here, and they were actual dependents, we could take the child credit. But, we are only sending child support payments which if we were sending them to a US ex-spouse, they would not be deductible, which would lead to foreign payments also not being deductible.
Thing that stinks, is that his payment of 300 british pounds is going to be something like $450 per month, and we haven't found him work yet. Oh well, thats the responsibility of being a grown up I guess. We really wanted the kids to come with us, but I didn't really expect their mom to let them go. I wouln't have. Thanks for your input
Dec 14th 2002, 1:50 pm
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
Steggy, check out this IRS page re alimony & child support:
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html
It may give you the info you need, or at least a start at getting the info.
Ron
http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html
It may give you the info you need, or at least a start at getting the info.
Ron
Dec 14th 2002, 8:44 pm
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
Matthew Udall wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court.
> > My ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship
)
> > is paying taxes for that as being regular income. Of course
> > in Holland.
> >
> > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> >
> > steg
> >
> >
>
> Ah, the old "this is a simple (or basic) question" qualification. My
> typical comment before even thinking about answering the question is
> that sometimes simple questions require complicated and long answers. I
> wish I had a dollar for every time I've answered the phone to hear, "I
> have just one simple question" :-).
>
> M.U.
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
I did not mean simple, I meant "basically this is the
question". Excuse me if I do not have all the "associative
feelings" with English words.
--
steg
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court.
> > My ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship
)> > is paying taxes for that as being regular income. Of course
> > in Holland.
> >
> > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> >
> > steg
> >
> >
>
> Ah, the old "this is a simple (or basic) question" qualification. My
> typical comment before even thinking about answering the question is
> that sometimes simple questions require complicated and long answers. I
> wish I had a dollar for every time I've answered the phone to hear, "I
> have just one simple question" :-).
>
> M.U.
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
I did not mean simple, I meant "basically this is the
question". Excuse me if I do not have all the "associative
feelings" with English words.
--
steg
Dec 14th 2002, 8:46 pm
#19
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
"Jenney & Mark" wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court. My
> > ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship) is paying
> > taxes for that as being regular income. Of course in Holland.
> >
> > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> >
> > steg
>
> Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> it's alimony.
>
> In any case, regarding child support...
>
> I did a search online and found a multitude of sites stating that child
> support is not tax deductible. One of those sites was the IRS's
> site --
> http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html.
>
> The IRS says, "Child support is never deductible."
>
> Since this is the case for USC couples with American children, I would
> *assume* it would also apply (maybe even more so) to CPRs with
> non-American children who live in a foreign country. That's my educated
> guess, but perhaps it is best to consult a tax attorney or accountant
> to be sure.
>
> ~ Jenney
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
well, immigrated people you know?
--
steg
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court. My
> > ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship
) is paying> > taxes for that as being regular income. Of course in Holland.
> >
> > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> >
> > steg
>
> Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> it's alimony.
>
> In any case, regarding child support...
>
> I did a search online and found a multitude of sites stating that child
> support is not tax deductible. One of those sites was the IRS's
> site --
> http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html.
>
> The IRS says, "Child support is never deductible."
>
> Since this is the case for USC couples with American children, I would
> *assume* it would also apply (maybe even more so) to CPRs with
> non-American children who live in a foreign country. That's my educated
> guess, but perhaps it is best to consult a tax attorney or accountant
> to be sure.
>
> ~ Jenney
>
> --
> Posted via http://britishexpats.com
I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
well, immigrated people you know?
--
steg
Dec 14th 2002, 9:42 pm
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 237
from reading the IRS link, Alimony is tax deductible, but you would still have to report the payee's Social Security #. Since we are talking about foreign ex-spouses, I think that is a problem. Steggy, I think we need a tax accountants help. I won't be married to my fiance until 2003 so I have the whole year to figure it out
Good Luck to you, I hope you find your answer. PS, you expressed yourself perfectly fine. I think Matt was joking, because everyone says "I have a simple question" which always ends up opening a can worms. Good Luck
Good Luck to you, I hope you find your answer. PS, you expressed yourself perfectly fine. I think Matt was joking, because everyone says "I have a simple question" which always ends up opening a can worms. Good Luck
Dec 15th 2002, 1:53 am
#21
I'm back!
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Posts: 4,316
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
Originally posted by Steggy:
"Jenney & Mark" wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court.
steg
>
> Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> it's alimony.
I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
well, immigrated people you know?
--
steg
"Jenney & Mark" wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court.
steg
>
> Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> it's alimony.
I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
well, immigrated people you know?
--
steg
Child Support - Payments designated for the support of a minor child under an agreement of divorce or separation. Child support is not deductible by the payer, nor is it taxable to the recipient.
Alimony - Money paid to a spouse or former spouse as a result of a written separation agreement or a court order in a separate maintenance agreement or divorce decree. Alimony and separate maintenance payments are taxable income to the receiver and deductible before adjusted gross income for the payer.
(I got these definitions from http://moneycentral.msn.com/taxes/glossary/glossary.asp.)
In layman's terms, child support is money for the children, but alimony is money for the ex-spouse specifically. They are NOT the same thing.
The title of your original post is, "Coming to think of it: child support." You specifically asked about child support, not alimony. In the US, child support payments ARE NOT tax deductible. Alimony IS tax deductible -- at least for USCs.
However, if you are paying alimony in addition to your child support payments, your case is different. First, you are not a USC. Second, your ex-wife does not live in the US. So it's unclear whether any alimony payments you make are tax deductible. I would consult a tax attorney and/or accountant to be sure.
In any case, your child support payments ARE NOT tax deductible, which answers your initial question.
~ Jenney
Dec 15th 2002, 4:05 am
#22
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
rogerpenycate wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > answer so why not try again)
> >
> > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> >
> > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > --
> > steg
>
> I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> UK bank account
Nope, child support in the US is not tax deductible and does not lower
your taxable income.
Alimony in the US is tax deductible to the payer and taxable to the
recipient.
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > answer so why not try again
)> >
> > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> >
> > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > --
> > steg
>
> I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> UK bank account
Nope, child support in the US is not tax deductible and does not lower
your taxable income.
Alimony in the US is tax deductible to the payer and taxable to the
recipient.
Dec 15th 2002, 4:05 am
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
rogerpenycate wrote:
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > answer so why not try again)
> >
> > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> >
> > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > --
> > steg
>
> I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> UK bank account
Nope, child support in the US is not tax deductible and does not lower
your taxable income.
Alimony in the US is tax deductible to the payer and taxable to the
recipient.
>
> Originally posted by Steggy
> > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > answer so why not try again
)> >
> > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> >
> > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > --
> > steg
>
> I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> UK bank account
Nope, child support in the US is not tax deductible and does not lower
your taxable income.
Alimony in the US is tax deductible to the payer and taxable to the
recipient.
Dec 15th 2002, 4:06 am
#24
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
steggy wrote:
>
> rogerpenycate wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > > answer so why not try again)
> > >
> > > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> > >
> > > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > > --
> > > steg
> >
> > I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> > UK bank account
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> But can you deduct it from your taxes? Doesn't matter how
> you pay it.
Not in the US.
>
> rogerpenycate wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > > answer so why not try again
)> > >
> > > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> > >
> > > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > > --
> > > steg
> >
> > I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> > UK bank account
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> But can you deduct it from your taxes? Doesn't matter how
> you pay it.
Not in the US.
Dec 15th 2002, 4:06 am
#25
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
steggy wrote:
>
> rogerpenycate wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > > answer so why not try again)
> > >
> > > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> > >
> > > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > > --
> > > steg
> >
> > I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> > UK bank account
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> But can you deduct it from your taxes? Doesn't matter how
> you pay it.
Not in the US.
>
> rogerpenycate wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > I asked this before long time ago, I don't think I got an
> > > answer so why not try again
)> > >
> > > Child support, small explanation. I am divorced from my ex
> > > in Holland. I have two kids over there. Since my divorce I
> > > pay the support that is mandatory for the kids. After my
> > > move to and marriage in the US I continued to do so.
> > >
> > > In Holland you can deduct that kind of child support from
> > > your income, so that lowers your taxes. My guess is it is
> > > the same in the US. But also when the kids live abroad? I am
> > > a Dutch citizen, Conditional Permanent US Resident.
> > > --
> > > steg
> >
> > I can't really help, I pay child support in the UK, but I pay it from a
> > UK bank account
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> But can you deduct it from your taxes? Doesn't matter how
> you pay it.
Not in the US.
Dec 15th 2002, 4:10 am
#26
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
steggy wrote:
>
> "Jenney & Mark" wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court. My
> > > ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship) is paying
> > > taxes for that as being regular income. Of course in Holland.
> > >
> > > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> > >
> > > steg
> >
> > Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> > it's alimony.
> >
> > In any case, regarding child support...
> >
> > I did a search online and found a multitude of sites stating that child
> > support is not tax deductible. One of those sites was the IRS's
> > site --
> > http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html.
> >
> > The IRS says, "Child support is never deductible."
> >
> > Since this is the case for USC couples with American children, I would
> > *assume* it would also apply (maybe even more so) to CPRs with
> > non-American children who live in a foreign country. That's my educated
> > guess, but perhaps it is best to consult a tax attorney or accountant
> > to be sure.
> >
> > ~ Jenney
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
> alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
> well, immigrated people you know?
> --
> steg
Do you know the difference?
Alimony is for your ex-wife's care
Child Support is paid to your ex-wife for the care of you children
>
> "Jenney & Mark" wrote:
> >
> > Originally posted by Steggy
> > > Well what I am talking about is alimony, forced by law and court. My
> > > ex wife (mind you we still have a great relationship
) is paying> > > taxes for that as being regular income. Of course in Holland.
> > >
> > > This is the basic question: can I deduct those payments in America.
> > >
> > > steg
> >
> > Ok, now I'm confused. First you said it was child support, now you say
> > it's alimony.
> >
> > In any case, regarding child support...
> >
> > I did a search online and found a multitude of sites stating that child
> > support is not tax deductible. One of those sites was the IRS's
> > site --
> > http://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/page/0,,id%3D16223,00.html.
> >
> > The IRS says, "Child support is never deductible."
> >
> > Since this is the case for USC couples with American children, I would
> > *assume* it would also apply (maybe even more so) to CPRs with
> > non-American children who live in a foreign country. That's my educated
> > guess, but perhaps it is best to consult a tax attorney or accountant
> > to be sure.
> >
> > ~ Jenney
> >
> > --
> > Posted via http://britishexpats.com
>
> I thought child support was the word. Dids not realize that
> alimony was something different. It is about alimony. Yeah
> well, immigrated people you know?
> --
> steg
Do you know the difference?
Alimony is for your ex-wife's care
Child Support is paid to your ex-wife for the care of you children
Dec 15th 2002, 4:15 am
#27
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
gracejilly wrote:
>
> as a Us Citizen if I had children, I could take a child deduction for
> each child that has a SSN . I think it is something like $500 per
> child.
Actually, it is a lot more than $500. I know it is at least $2500.
>
> as a Us Citizen if I had children, I could take a child deduction for
> each child that has a SSN . I think it is something like $500 per
> child.
Actually, it is a lot more than $500. I know it is at least $2500.
Dec 15th 2002, 3:34 pm
#28
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
Yeesh, after reading all the different answers here to different
situations, think I would just call my local IRS office. Sorry
guys....
situations, think I would just call my local IRS office. Sorry
guys....
Dec 15th 2002, 9:09 pm
#29
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
>DarrNaramgaram wrote:
>>
>> child support is a taxable but non taxable for the reciever,you can pay it from
>> your pay check but its a taxable
>What do you mean taxable?
>One more try, it has to do with immigration, but the danger
>is it will get of that subject. If I pay a monthly amount
>for my kids in Europe, while I live and earn my money in the
>US, is that money deductable for the US taxes when April
>comes close?
NO
MY ex wanted to put the child support he pays down as a deduction on
his yearly tax forms.......It is not deductible.
Alimony however is
Karryl
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
-- - Albert Einstein
>>
>> child support is a taxable but non taxable for the reciever,you can pay it from
>> your pay check but its a taxable
>What do you mean taxable?
>One more try, it has to do with immigration, but the danger
>is it will get of that subject. If I pay a monthly amount
>for my kids in Europe, while I live and earn my money in the
>US, is that money deductable for the US taxes when April
>comes close?
NO
MY ex wanted to put the child support he pays down as a deduction on
his yearly tax forms.......It is not deductible.
Alimony however is
Karryl
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
-- - Albert Einstein
Dec 15th 2002, 9:11 pm
#30
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Coming to think of it: child support.
>as a Us Citizen if I had children, I could take a child deduction for
>each child that has a SSN . I think it is something like $500 per
>child. Why wouldn't I be able to do the same if I were paying child
>support to my spouses ex wife? The only issue seems to be that they do
>not have SSN. It is a fact that in the US every parent can take a
>deduction, "because they decided to have children". I Would really
>like to hear from a tax accountant out there who might specialize in
>immigration related tax returns. My personal accountant tells me no
>social security number for the dependants, no deduction. Really doesnt
>seem fair, but thats life.
It depends on what is stated in the divorce decree.......mine states
he has to full fill certain things (that includes child support
payments) and he needs a signed form from me to claim them.
He has not full filled those agreements so he gets no form.
Karryl
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
-- - Albert Einstein
>each child that has a SSN . I think it is something like $500 per
>child. Why wouldn't I be able to do the same if I were paying child
>support to my spouses ex wife? The only issue seems to be that they do
>not have SSN. It is a fact that in the US every parent can take a
>deduction, "because they decided to have children". I Would really
>like to hear from a tax accountant out there who might specialize in
>immigration related tax returns. My personal accountant tells me no
>social security number for the dependants, no deduction. Really doesnt
>seem fair, but thats life.
It depends on what is stated in the divorce decree.......mine states
he has to full fill certain things (that includes child support
payments) and he needs a signed form from me to claim them.
He has not full filled those agreements so he gets no form.
Karryl
"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."
-- - Albert Einstein