Same-sex Couples Struggle With Income Tax Returns

Same-sex couples struggle with filing tax returns every year. To be in compliance with the rules, it costs more for same-sex couples to file their returns. In states that recognize gay marriage, they have to file a state return and two separate federal returns because the U.S. government does not recognize same-sex marriages.

The gay community is divided between those who do not want to lie and those who do not want to break the federal tax laws. Refuse to Lie is a website that offers advice and testimonials for couples from couples who have decided to defy the law. It is not clear how many people who file jointly in spite of the law actually get caught because the IRS does not ask for gender on tax returns. If same-sex couples file jointly and are caught by the IRS, they have to pay the fees and penalties and re-file the returns individually.

See Catherine New, Income Tax Dilemma Faces Gay Couples Who File Jointly and Defy Federal Law, Huffington Post, Mar. 14, 2012. 

Special thanks to David S. Luber (Attorney at law, Florida Probate Attorney Wills and Estates Law Firm) for bringing this article to my attention.