Alimony is the term used for payments to a separated spouse or ex-spouse as part of a divorce or separation agreement. Since 1985, to be alimony for tax purposes, the payments:
- Must be in cash, paid to the spouse, ex-spouse, or a third party on behalf of a spouse or ex-spouse;
- Must be required by a decree or instrument incident to a divorce, a written separation agreement, or a support decree;