Alimony (Alimentatie)
Alimony (alimentatie) is a financial contribution you pay after a divorce to your ex-partner (partner alimony) or for your children (child support). Only partner alimony is tax-deductible – child support is not. Partner alimony is deductible as a <a href="/en/glossary/personal-deductions">personal deduction</a> in your tax return. The recipient must correctly declare the alimony as income. The maximum deduction rate is 36.97% (2025). Note: alimony agreements made before 2020 can last up to 12 years; after 2020, the standard alimony duration is half the marriage duration with a maximum of 5 years.
Example
You pay €1,000 per month in partner alimony to your ex, so €12,000 per year. This amount is fully deductible. At a rate of 36.97%, this yields a tax benefit of €4,436 per year.
Why does this matter?
If you pay partner alimony, this is often one of your largest deductions. Don't forget to request a provisional assessment so you receive the tax benefit monthly. Do you receive alimony? Then you must declare it as income.
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