As tax season is now behind us, many same-sex couples may have discovered that same-sex couples often pay higher taxes because they are not entitled to federal tax benefits regularly given to married couples. Additionally, same-sex couples must file separate federal returns and in most states, separate state returns. States that recognize civil unions or marriage for same-sex couples, such as Massachusetts, may file joint state returns. Here in the Live Free or Die state where we do not have an income tax, couples do not file state tax returns.
Kevin R. McMurdy’s recent post on Tax Implications and Civil Unions on the Employee Benefits Law Blog reviews various tax implications and employee benefits for same-sex couples.