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Tax Implications

Divorce & Taxes

For divorces finalized after December 31, 2018, alimony (spousal support) is not deductible by the payer and not income to the recipient. Below: filing status, the home sale exclusion, retirement QDROs, and your ex's tax mistakes.

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Filing Status After Divorce

Important
Your filing status for the entire tax year is determined by your marital status on December 31st. If your divorce is finalized by Dec 31, you are considered single for that whole year — even if you were married for 11 months.

The three statuses you'll move between

Married Filing Jointly
Last year you were married all year
Rate: 10–37%
Lowest rates. Combine all income. File together or separately.
Head of Household
Divorced + primary custodian of child
Rate: 10–37% (wider brackets)
Better than Single. Requires a qualifying child living with you >50% of year.
Single
Divorced, no qualifying child
Rate: 10–37% (narrowest brackets)
Most common status post-divorce without primary custody.

What changes immediately

  • Standard deduction: Married filing jointly $29,200 → Single $14,600 / Head of Household $21,900 (2024)
  • Marginal brackets shift — same income can push you into a higher bracket
  • Retirement contribution limits and IRMAA thresholds reset to single filer amounts
  • AMT exemption drops from $137,000 (MFJ) to $85,700 (single)
Tip
Utah tip: Utah has a flat 4.55% state income tax. Your Utah tax changes only because your federal AGI and deductions change — Utah doesn't have additional filing status complications.

Disclaimer: This guide is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax laws change frequently. Consult a CPA or enrolled agent for advice specific to your situation. IRS Publication 504 ("Divorced or Separated Individuals") is the authoritative reference.IRS Pub. 504 →

Utah Alimony & Support

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