And, she does often complain about being VERY tight with money, to which my response is always "well, then stop paying tithing!" She doesn't like that one too much.
I have to say, if money intended to support my children was going to the church I would be pretty angry. I think a non-LDS lawyer would take this into consideration no?
~dancer~
There's a difference between paying tithing on spousal support, and paying it on child support. It should not be paid on the latter, since it is really just a transference of funds from one parent to another for the benefit of the child/ren. But for spousal support, despite BCSpace's comment to the contrary, my understanding is that this can be considered an "increase" to the receiving spouse, and thus subject to tithes.
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe / But at least I'm enjoying the ride.
-Grateful Dead (lyrics by John Perry Barlow)
Glad that children come before the church in the eyes of the law. :-)
Like Scottie, I would be angry if I my spouse was complaining she wasn't getting enough while giving ten percent of her/his spousal support to the church.
As I think about this, it is probably a pretty common situation.
~dancer~
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skippy the dead wrote:There's a difference between paying tithing on spousal support, and paying it on child support. It should not be paid on the latter, since it is really just a transference of funds from one parent to another for the benefit of the child/ren. But for spousal support, despite BCSpace's comment to the contrary, my understanding is that this can be considered an "increase" to the receiving spouse, and thus subject to tithes.
How does the IRS view money received for alimony and money received for child support? Do either count as income to the IRS (and hence likely count as increase to the church)?
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy. eritis sicut dii I support NCMO
Finances are a crazy thing. When I was a student an earned less than a few thousand a year, I had enough. When I got a job and started making over 10 times as much, suddenly I only barely had enough. Something about expectations. Once I could afford it, then suddenly I was expected to buy more expensive things whether it's furniture, appliances, or even go pay for more expensive meals, trips, gifts, or even the big one: a mortgage.
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy. eritis sicut dii I support NCMO
asbestosman wrote:How does the IRS view money received for alimony and money received for child support? Do either count as income to the IRS (and hence likely count as increase to the church)?
It's been a while since I've done family law, but If I recall correctly, the one paying spousal support can deduct it from his/her income for tax purposes; the one receiving it then pays taxes on it.
I may be going to hell in a bucket, babe / But at least I'm enjoying the ride.
-Grateful Dead (lyrics by John Perry Barlow)
skippy the dead wrote:There's a difference between paying tithing on spousal support, and paying it on child support. It should not be paid on the latter, since it is really just a transference of funds from one parent to another for the benefit of the child/ren. But for spousal support, despite BCSpace's comment to the contrary, my understanding is that this can be considered an "increase" to the receiving spouse, and thus subject to tithes.
How does the IRS view money received for alimony and money received for child support? Do either count as income to the IRS (and hence likely count as increase to the church)?
One is deductible, one is not.
I'm pretty sure she has to declare the alimony as income and I can write it off.
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skippy the dead wrote:It's been a while since I've done family law, but If I recall correctly, the one paying spousal support can deduct it from his/her income for tax purposes; the one receiving it then pays taxes on it.
It would seem then, that spousal support is increase to be tithed on as you earlier said may be the case.
What about child support? I know it's for the children, but I'm wondering whether the IRS keeps its paws off or considers it income for the recipient too. If the IRS keeps its paws off of it, I think there's a good argument to be made that the church shouldn't touch it either. If the IRS dips into that pie, then I don't see why the church shouldn't get a slice either.
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy. eritis sicut dii I support NCMO
I'm pretty sure she has to declare the alimony as income and I can write it off.
In that case, I'd say that it's your responsibility to tithe on child support if you can't write it off. I think tithing should be paid in the same places that taxes are paid, but that's just my take. If you don't believe in paying tithing, then it doens't get paid and it's your responsibility to deal with.
That's General Leo. He could be my friend if he weren't my enemy. eritis sicut dii I support NCMO
by the way, thanks for speaking up, moclips. My three children are young adults now, 22, 20, and 18. The fact that their father always complained about paying child support (despite the fact that he lied about his income and paid CS on 20,000 a year, while making many times that amount - he is self employed) is one of the many things he has done to permanently damage their relationship with him. My oldest son tolerates him in doses, my middle son sees him very rarely (we're talking Xmas, Thanksgiving, and maybe birthday), and my daughter is well on that path herself. They deeply resented the fact that we always struggled to make ends meet while their dad was able to buy himself toys like a big, fancy boat for the few times he goes to the beach a year. And yes, to him it always felt like he was giving ME money, yet the kids knew good and well every cent went to them. You really have to be careful with these things. Kids absorb everything. Everything. I'm not saying this is anything like your situation, scottie, and I doubt it is because you seem decent, but still, be careful.
We hate to seem like we don’t trust every nut with a story, but there’s evidence we can point to, and dance while shouting taunting phrases.
Beastie - I definitely hear what you are saying. It hasn't been until the the last few years that my relationship with my father has become somewhat normal (and I'm in my mid-30's now). I was mainly indifferent and just didn't care anymore (I'm not one for drama). But to his credit, I think he finally decided he wanted a relationship with us and has made the effort. Its been nice, but its too bad it has taken so long. I look at my own kids and can't fathom putting them through that, but I realize that for some, its a choice they have to make. I feel very lucky, that despite my skeptic/doubter status, my wife chooses me over the church. I really feel bad for those who haven't had that kind of support.
“A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take away everything that you have.”