You are not legally obligated to support her. If a divorce is filed the court could make alimony retroactive.
The person asking for alimony must show the court that he or she needs financial support, and that the other spouse has the ability to provide financial support.
Reporting taxable alimony or separate maintenance Deduct alimony or separate maintenance payments on Form 1040, U.S. Individual Income Tax Return or Form 1040-SR, U.S. Tax Return for Seniors (attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040), Additional Income and Adjustments to Income PDF).
To report alimony you received: Open or continue your return. Navigate to the alimony section: TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to alimony received. TurboTax Desktop: Search for alimony received and then select the Jump to link. Answer Yes to Did you receive alimony or spousal support? and follow the onscreen instructions.
California Alimony California determines alimony based on the recipient's “marital standard of living,” which aims to allow the spouse to continue living in a similar manner as during the marriage.
Bank statements or copies of checks deposited for the most recent 12 months or applicable period showing receipt of payments. Both must indicate the originating entity.
Report alimony received on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040) PDF) or on Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (attach Schedule NEC (Form 1040-NR) PDF).
Open or continue your return. Navigate to the alimony section: TurboTax Online/Mobile: Go to alimony received. TurboTax Desktop: Search for alimony received and then select the Jump to link.
Report alimony received on Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR (attach Schedule 1 (Form 1040) PDF) or on Form 1040-NR, U.S. Nonresident Alien Income Tax Return (attach Schedule NEC (Form 1040-NR) PDF).