Legal Question in Tax Law in Illinois

Tax's penalty for receiving money from Spouse Retirement

My ex spouse received money from my retirement...Now..the court has ordered me to pay his tax liability on the money he received. IRS Pub and the CFR governing the FEDERAL TSP indicates the exspouse is responsible...how can a judge over ride federal law?


Asked on 12/07/08, 1:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Re: Tax's penalty for receiving money from Spouse Retirement

A divorce settlement is not governed by the IRS when there is agreement by the parties and it is not contrary to public policy. If the parties or the judge rule that one party or the other is responsible for a payment, or is allowed a deduction, the settlement agreement or order prevails.

The IRS will only step in if there is a dispute between returns (both people take the same deduction or exemption).

I would discuss the ruling with your divorce attorney and ask why the ruling was made in this manner. There must have been some agreement between parties as to the tax liability.

Good luck to you.

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Answered on 12/07/08, 10:28 pm


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