Updated for 2026 | Originally published October 2, 2015
Alimony is tax deductible for the person paying, and a taxable income for the person receiving in the state of Florida. Most people are unaware of this fact, and not knowing this can be a detriment if you are being awarded alimony by the courts. It is important to keep record of your alimony payments because of the tax implications and to present the court if there are any questions about payment or receipt. If you need help modifying your Alimony Payments, contact Mark E Sawicki, P.A. immediately. He and his staff are here to help you get your Alimony Payments under control.
Alimony and taxes have a complicated relationship in Florida — and the rules changed significantly in 2019. Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the tax treatment of alimony depends entirely on when your divorce was finalized:
- Divorce finalized before January 1, 2019: Alimony is tax-deductible for the payer and taxable income for the recipient — the old rules still apply to these agreements.
- Divorce finalized on or after January 1, 2019: Alimony is no longer deductible for the payer and no longer counted as taxable income for the recipient.
Regardless of which category applies to your situation, keeping thorough records of alimony payments remains essential — both for court purposes and financial protection. If you need help with alimony modifications or have questions about your obligations, contact Mark E. Sawicki, P.A.
Are Certain Records Worth Keeping Regarding Alimony in Florida?
Yes. Any time you pay or receive alimony, retaining clear records is strongly advised. Courts may request payment history when considering modifications, and if your divorce predates 2019, the IRS may also have an interest in those records. Incomplete or missing records can put you at a serious disadvantage in either setting.
Should Both the Payer and Recipient Keep Records?
Absolutely. Here’s what each party should retain:
If you are paying alimony:
- A running log of each payment, including date and amount
- Original copies of checks or bank transfer confirmations
- If paying in cash, a written and signed receipt from the recipient each time
- Records should be kept for at least 4 years; digital copies are recommended indefinitely
If you are receiving alimony:
- A log of each payment received, with dates and amounts
- The bank name and account number from which payments are drawn
- Copies of any signed receipts you’ve provided for cash payments
What Could Happen If I Don’t Keep Records?
Two main problems can arise:
- Court modifications: If either party seeks to modify the alimony arrangement, the court will want to review payment history. Without records, the court may rule unfavorably — including potentially increasing the amount owed.
- Disputed payments: If one party falsely claims payments were not made or not received, solid records are your best defense. Without documentation, these disputes become a “he said/she said” situation that’s difficult and costly to resolve.
Good financial record-keeping is a habit that protects you. For alimony specifically, the stakes are high — your ex-spouse, the courts, and potentially the IRS all have an interest in that paper trail.
Note: Tax laws affecting alimony are complex and fact-specific. Consult a qualified tax professional or attorney regarding your individual situation.
Have Questions About Alimony in Florida? Mark Can Help.
Whether you’re navigating a new alimony order, seeking a modification, or just trying to understand your rights and obligations under Florida law, Mark E. Sawicki, P.A. is here to help. Mark is a Florida Bar licensed attorney with decades of experience in family law serving Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties.
Mark doesn’t get paid until you do — so you can move forward with confidence.