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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsThe IRS/Feds will now recognize ALL same-sex marriages, regardless of whether your state does so.
This is an important decision. If your state doesn't recognize same-sex marriages, you can get all the Federal benefits by getting married in a state that does. This will not force your own state into recognizing these marriages, but it is still a big step forward.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/30/us/politics/irs-to-recognize-all-gay-marriages-regardless-of-state.html?hp
As of the 2013 tax year, same-sex spouses cannot file federal tax returns as if they were single. Instead, they will have to opt for filing as married filing jointly or married filing separately. The location of their marriage as long as it is legal or residence does not matter: a same-sex couple who marry in Albany and move to Alabama will be treated the same as a same-sex couple who marry and live in Massachusetts.
Todays ruling provides certainty and clear, coherent tax-filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide, Treasury Secretary Jacob J. Lew said in a statement. This ruling also assures legally married same-sex couples that they can move freely throughout the country knowing that their federal filing status will not change.
The Treasury said that the ruling applies to all federal tax provisions where marriage is a factor, including filing status, claiming personal and dependency exemptions, taking the standard deduction, employee benefits, contributing to an I.R.A., and claiming the earned income tax credit or child tax credit.
The ruling applies to all legal marriages made in the United States or foreign countries. But it does not extend to civil unions, registered domestic partnerships or other legal relationships, the Treasury said. Same-sex spouses will be able to file as married couples for the 2013 tax year, the Treasury said, and will also be able to file amended returns for certain prior tax years, meaning that many couples might be eligible for refunds.
Scurrilous
(38,687 posts)pnwmom
(108,925 posts)ladyVet
(1,587 posts)Baby steps are leading to giant strides!
Things I didn't think I'd live long enough to see:
a black president (or African American, if you prefer)
same-sex marriages legal in this country (at least in some states, more will come)
pnwmom
(108,925 posts)the first woman President?