6 Takeaways on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) and Alimony
One of the most impactful changes of the Tax Cuts and Job Act (TCJA) was the change to alimony. Under prior law, alimony and separate maintenance payments were deductible by the payer and includable in income by the recipient. Taking advantage of the tax rate differences between the divorcing parties was a common technique in settling cases because the higher-earning spouse was receiving a tax benefit proportional to the amount paid to the lower-earning spouse. Plus, knowing alimony payments would be tax deductible was often considered a psychological “win” by the paying party, making it more palatable to accept.
The new tax law is now in place, and, starting in 2019, family law professionals have to find new ways to settle cases using other tax planning techniques. Expert Michelle Gallagher of Adamy Valuation will lead a workshop with Kevin Yeanoplos this May at the AAML/BVR National Divorce Conference to cover this topic. In this blog post, we cover six of the key takeaways she will discuss in the three-hour workshop session.
1. Applies to federal law, not state law.
The alimony changes under TCJA were made to IRC Section 71, which are federal tax provisions, not state provisions. Many states, however, begin their determination of taxable income with federal taxable income. It will be interesting to see whether states will adjust for alimony. New York, for example, has already announced that it will operate as before, where alimony is taxable and deductible. Some states that have decoupled and exclude alimony from taxable income are New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Keep an eye on your state rules as they may be changing, too.
2. Only agreements entered into after Dec. 31, 2018, are impacted.
Some people think that all alimony from here on out is not deductible and not includable, but that is incorrect. It only applies to divorce or separation agreements executed after Dec. 31, 2018.
3. But modifications matter.
If a divorce or separation agreement was executed prior to Dec. 31, 2018, and modifications are made later, TCJA will not apply unless the agreement specifically states that it will apply. Attorneys need to be especially careful when drafting any modification agreement. Many recommend that modification agreements specifically state whether TCJA will or will not apply and whether alimony will be taxable or nontaxable. Make sure modification agreements are clear.
4. Transfer retirement accounts at pretax values instead of paying alimony.
In place of tax deductible/includable alimony, one technique being used in 2019 is creative splitting of retirement accounts. The recipient will pay taxes on distributions when received, and other post-tax assets can be allocated to the other spouse to offset. If the recipient is under 59 ½, there are still ways to receive the distributions without being subject to the 10% early withdrawal penalties. A QDRO can be used with qualified retirement accounts, and IRA accounts can be annuitized under IRC 72(t).
For business owners, there are opportunities to replenish retirement plan assets that were unequally distributed to the recipient. When doing that, the business would presumably get a tax deduction for those contributions. Aggressive contribution plans such as cash balance plans are a popular choice to replenish retirement funds that were transferred with the divorce on a more accelerated basis.
5. Business owners: Assign nonvoting ownership or interest only in an entity in lieu of alimony.
This one can be tricky and may require changes to company agreements but, if done properly, can be a very viable solution. It’s also important to be careful that the business’s operations don’t suffer if certain payments are required to be made. The parties will need advice from their tax professionals to determine how best to structure payments for the best tax advantages. Depending on the entity type, the form of payment may need to be distributions or dividends, and, if the ex-spouse could provide services, wages could even be paid, making the payments tax deductible.
6. Anticipate future tax changes in your agreement.
Although the TCJA change to the alimony rules is permanent, you never know what
changes may lie ahead when it comes to taxes. It is prudent to add provisions for
tax law changes in an alimony agreement so, if the tax law changes, the agreement can be revisited. Be specific about what can be modified. If there is a change in tax law that only alimony or support can be adjusted, you can’t just modify anything in the agreement.
Conclusion
To learn more about this topic, join top experts Michelle Gallagher and Kevin Yeanoplos, as well as a host of leading matrimonial attorneys and financial experts, at the AAML/BVR National Divorce Conference, May 8-10, in Las Vegas. This unique event will include a wealth of sessions on financial, forensic, and legal issues that are most important to the profession today.