Is child support considered gross income, and can it be used when figuring other child support?

Question

I'm going through a child support case right now, and am required to bring all proofs of gross income. I receive child support on other children and have been informed that that child support should not be considered, but I need a definite answer. Any answers will be greatly appreciated. And please no comments about me living off of child support, or any other negativity please. I work a full time and part time job, and go to school, as well as support 5 children by myself. So please spare your negative comments.

Answer 1

You will need proof of what child support you receive for children that are not a part of that order.  Not what you are "supposed" to get, but what you really get.  Because what happens is you get deductions for other children that live in your home that are not a part of the order.  However, if you receive child support for the children that you are getting a deduction for, they take the deduction amount & subtract what you get in child support.  Normally the deduction is the current tax credit, right now it's $3,300 per child.  So they take the $3300 minus your child support per year for each child individually.  If you end up with a negative number, then you get no deduction for that particular child.  And if there is a positive number, that is one of your deductions.  So they only want to know how much you get in child support for other children to figure the deductions, or if you are entitled to an additional deduction.  They won't add the child support to your income.  This will be the only thing they use it for.  If you have children that you recieve NO child support for, then you should get the full deduction amount for that individual child.

Answer 2

This is a tax section. Child support is not counted for tax purposes.

Answer 3

Not that Im aware of your gross earnings are your employer any other payments like child support and ssi are in the additonal income section.

Answer 4

Child support isn't part of gross income - the payer pays taxes on it, not you.  It is like tax-free income.

You shouldn't have to support 5 children by yourself - find the non-custodial parent and suggest they pay child support.  If they don't, then the state will pursue them.

You still need to bring the documentation for child support you receive on other children.  At least in NC in impacts that calculation of child support.

Answer 5

Probably not, but ask the referee or court people to be sure.