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The Global Insight

Is money received in a divorce settlement taxable?

Author

Christopher Ramos

Updated on March 13, 2026

Lump sum payments of property made in a divorce are typically taxable. Likewise, the payments were taxable income for the spouse who receives the payments. A recent change to the tax code did away with that, however. Now those payments are no longer deductible.

How is property distributed after divorce?

Generally, in this case, shares of the property get divided equally among the spouses. But if one of the spouses successfully proves in the court that he/she has paid the full amount from his/her known sources, then he/she might acquire the whole property in dispute, irrespective of the joint ownership.

What happens to investment property in divorce?

Investments and savings will generally form part of your financial settlement on divorce or dissolution. Dividing them should be relatively straightforward if you can negotiate with each other. But you may need to value them and pay tax or charges if you sell or transfer them or cash them in.

Is my ex entitled to half my savings?

Is my spouse entitled to half my savings? All savings, including ISA’s, must be disclosed as part of the financial proceedings, even those that are held in one sole name. Any matrimonial assets can be split fairly during a financial settlement.

How are rental properties handled during a divorce?

Rental properties can be a significant asset in the marital estate. A divorce means dealing with rental properties and involves the same basic steps as dividing all other marital property.

How does a divorce settlement affect your taxes?

The tax treatment is steered by the actual separation of the spouses, not the finalisation of the divorce settlement, nor even the actual initiation of proceedings for divorce. Rodney Dangerfield’s light-hearted joke above therefore has some context, a spouse may be separated long before the question of formal divorce has ever arisen.

What happens to the house in a divorce?

The couple can retain joint ownership of the house. One spouse can buy out the other’s share of the property. One spouse can give their share to the other spouse. Couples can usually divide the real estate and other assets as they choose in a divorce property settlement agreement.

How are rental properties divided during a dissolution?

Normally, income and expenses are split during the dissolution. You can settle the matter by converting the properties to a partnership where each retains an ownership interest or divide them up so that each party takes one or more entire property.