Is Child Support Taxable Income?

There are a couple main questions people ask about child support and taxes:

1. Is child support deductible? (You ask this if you paychild support.)
2. Is child support considered income and taxed? (You ask this if you receive child support.)

Thankfully, the answers are straightforward: no and no.

Here’s a slightly expanded explanation straight from the IRS:

“Question: Are child support payments considered taxable income?

Answer: No, child support payments are neither deductible by the payer nor taxable to the payee. When you calculate your gross income to see if you are required to file a tax return, do not include child support payments received.”