Should I report the child support payment as the "setoff" amount we agreed (what I pay to my ex minus what my ex pays me) or should I report that I pay X and ex pays Y?

Both my ex and I pay child support to the other for 2 children's. I'm higher income, so for convenience we agree only one payment from me to her. How this should be reported in taxes? One payment I make, or both a payment I make and a payment that I receive?

537

Moderator

Oct 21, 2022 1:23:02 PM

As per CRA: If you make child support payments for a child and the other parent does not, you cannot claim an amount for an eligible dependant for that child. Only the parent who does not pay child support can claim the amount for an eligible dependant on line 30400 of their tax return.

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Moderator

Oct 21, 2022 1:27:07 PM

Please review what CRA requires here.

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Should I report the child support payment as the "setoff" amount we agreed (what I pay to my ex minus what my ex pays me) or should I report that I pay X and ex pays Y?