The invention discloses a method for preparing S-4-methoxymandelic acid through splitting. The method concretely includes the steps that in alcohol solvent, racemic 4-methoxymandelic acid is used as a raw material, S-1-phenylethylamine is used as a splitting agent for reaction, then S-1-phenylethylamine salt of S-4-methoxymandelic acid is obtained through cooling, crystallizing and separating, and S-4-methoxymandelic acid is obtained through acid freeing after salt recrystallization is performed; after the solution containing the splitting agent is mixed, alcohol is removed through evaporation, after cooling, water and alkaline are added for freeing, and the splitting agent which is S-1-phenylethylamine is obtained through extracting, drying and concentrating. The method for preparing S-4-methoxymandelic acid through splitting has the advantages that conditions are mild, operation is easy, the product yield is good, optical purity is high, and the splitting agent can be recycled, and is quite suitable for preparing and producing S-4-methoxymandelic acid.