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7.Are my divorce costs deductible? In general legal fees are considered personal expenses so they aren’t deductible. However legal fees paid to get alimony and legal fees regarding tax effects of divorce are deductible. The attorney must allocate fees paid for deductible and non-deductible services otherwise deduction may be disallowed. The allowed deduction is a miscellaneous itemized deduction which is deductible only to extent that, in aggregate, miscellaneous deductions exceed 2% of taxpayer’s adjusted gross income.
8.My spouse and I are using married, filing separate filing status. Can I use standard deduction if my spouse itemizes? No. If spouses are using married, filing separate filing status and one spouse itemizes their deductions, other spouse must itemize as well.
9.Who gets mortgage interest deduction and other itemized deductions? If marital home is owned by one spouse alone, only that spouse may claim a mortgage interest deduction. Deductible expenses that are paid out of separate funds, such as medical expenses, are deductible by spouse who pays them. In general, deductible expenses paid out of joint funds are split 50/50 between spouses, including mortgage interest. Mortgage interest for property titled by entireties can be claimed by whichever spouse actually paid expense.
10.Where can I go for more information about divorce and tax issues? www.rosendivorce.com
For more information on Rosen Divorce, or for an interview, please contact: Alison Kramer, Director of Public Relations, Office: 919-256-1542, Cell: 919-523-7104 akramer@rosen.com or visit: www.rosendivorce.com
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With offices in Raleigh and Charlotte, Rosen Divorce is largest divorce firm in North Carolina. Founded in 1990, firm is dedicated to providing individual growth and support to couples seeking divorce by helping them move forward with their lives. Our staff of attorneys, accountants, and specially trained divorce coaches expertly address complex issues of ending a marriage. Our innovative approach acknowledges that divorce is so much more than just a legal matter. Specialties include child custody, alimony, property distribution, separation agreements, and domestic violence relief.
ROSEN DIVORCE 4101 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 500 Raleigh, NC 27607 www.rosendivorce.com ”Divorce is Different Here”
Jessie Danninger is a financial analyst with Rosen Divorce. She assist clients in all financial matters relating to divorce, including property distribution, child custody, alimony, and tax related issues. She is a certified divorce financial analyst and CPA.