tax question...

Here is my brief story:
Last year I went through a divorce. The judge granted me a divorce in court, but due to my lawyers dragging feet, hasn't yet signed the papers. I have two children, living with their mother, and I pay child support. According to the divorce, I get to claim my son as a dependent on taxes.
Question 1: Is child support deductible?
2: If it is, can I claim it if I file married filing sperately?
Would I come out better than if I claim single?
3: Would I come out better filing jointly and splitting the
return? (she doesn't work and lives on welfare)


Any comments or answers will be appreciated. Thank You.

Child support is not deductible, only alimony is.

Question: Are child support payments considered taxable income?

Answer: No, child support payments are neither deductible by the payer nor taxable to the payee.

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq/0,,id=199747,00.html

Woullard,

Break-ups are messy, especially when children are involved.
So why is this listed under "Family Fun"?

1) Child Support is not deductable.

2) first part is an N/A.
second part: Probably not.

3) Most filers will have pay lower taxes/larger refund by filing jointly.

After the divorce is final, you will file as single unless you remarry.
The divorce allows you to claim the your son as a dependent.
The children's mother may file as head of household, if she needs to file.

It is good that you are paying child support.