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Frequently Asked Tax Questions

Itemized Deductions/Standard Deductions - Interest, Investment, Money Transactions (Alimony, Bad Debts, Applicable Federal Interest Rate, Gambling, Legal Fees, Loans, etc.)

  1. Is the interest amount that we paid to the IRS deductible?
  2. Can I deduct separate maintenance paid to my spouse or alimony paid to my former spouse?
Rev. date: 3/9/2011

Is the interest amount that we paid to the IRS deductible?

previous topic occurrence Interest Expense next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Tax Bill/Debt/Liability next topic occurrence
Interest and penalties paid to the IRS on Federal taxes are not deductible.
For more information, refer to:
Rev. date: 3/9/2011

Can I deduct separate maintenance paid to my spouse or alimony paid to my former spouse?

previous topic occurrence Alimony next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Divorced or Separated Spouses/Parents next topic occurrence
previous topic occurrence Ex-spouse next topic occurrence
If you are separated or divorced,  you may generally deduct payments of separate maintenance or alimony paid in cash (including check or money order payable on demand) to, or on behalf of, your spouse or former spouse.  See Publication 504 for help in determining whether the payments qualify.
Additional Information
Publication 504 Divorced or Separated IndividualsTax Topic 452 Alimony Paid (this topic covers alimony under decrees or agreements after 1984)
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