Tax Season 2011
April 13, 2011
How filing our taxes as a Gay married couple are different from heterosexual, married couples:
- As we all know the federal government does NOT recognize us as a married couple even though WE ARE and it doesn’t even matter where we live. Even though we are in California (one of the 18,000 legally married couples). We will pay more in taxes and receive fewer benefits than married, opposite-sex couples receive. Only point number 1 and we are already getting heated.
- In regards to tax preparation. Differences in state and federal filing rules mean that married, same-sex couples must calculate 2 sets of state tax returns. Guess what? That’s more time spent on those returns and, for same-sex couples using an accountant, that’s more of an expense.
- Tax punch number 3 comes through employer-based health insurance benefits. Unlike coverage for opposite-sex spouses, benefits for legally married, same-sex spouses are taxed as income to the employee.
- For same-sex couples who have real estate, they can file their real state returns as a married couple! Oh but wait, since federal law prohibits them from filing their federal tax return as a married couple, the forms require tax calculations from state returns completed as if they were single.
Talk about a kick in the teeth!
Photo Courtesy VIA
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So, since we will be celebrating 2011 in a few days, we must remember to be safe and have options. If you do plan on drinking, remember there are public transit options, designated drivers, taxis, and old-fashioned slumber parties. Be safe this year and the next.
