How can you deduct alimony payments when paying taxes?

Alimony payments are deductible as an above-the-line deduction on your Federal income taxes. They are reported on Line 31a of Form 1040 for 2010.

Note that Line 31a also requires you to report the Social Security Number of the person you paid alimony to, because it will be considered taxable income for them.

It's important to point out that child support payments are NOT deductible. So, if you are making monthly court-ordered payments that include both alimony and child support, you can only deduct the portion of those payments that are considered alimony. Usually the court order will specify these amounts.