How do I allocate arrears payments for child and spousal support?

[rickski1986]

I am receiving (or supposed to) $500 in child support and $500 in spousal support. The accounts are in arrears for about $10000 total. I receive garnished payments in the amount of about $1200 per month. How do I allocate the payments?

 

[Zigner]

What US State?
Why isn't the state handling this?

 

[rickski1986]

Colorado.
I have child/family services on this. They set up the garnishment.
My issue is how to deal with the payments for tax purposes?

 

[LdiJ]

I am receiving (or supposed to) $500 in child support and $500 in spousal support. The accounts are in arrears for about $10000 total. I receive garnished payments in the amount of about $1200 per month. How do I allocate the payments?

Well, the first 1000.00 should be treated as normal child support and spousal $500.00 towards each. That leaves a remainder of $200.00 going towards the arrears. I would suspect that your local CSE would be allocating that $200.00 first towards the child support arrears, so I would do the same for tax purposes.