Equality California resolution urging tax equity for domestic partners approved by assembly

April 23, 2010

As posted by Equality California:

"Just one week after Californians filed their state taxes, the California State Assembly approved Assembly Joint Resolution 29 with bipartisan support in a vote of 59-5. The measure, authored by Assembly member Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles) and sponsored by Equality California, urges the IRS to change a policy that now requires many same-sex couples to file two federal tax returns and pay unfairly high taxes because the federal government fails to recognize how California applies its community property laws to same-sex couples.

"'Today, Democrats and Republicans joined together to demand that the federal government stop its current policy discriminating against same-sex couples when it comes to taxes,' said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California. 'It is time for the federal government to work together to make a real difference in the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender couples.'

..."'The IRS's refusal to accept how California treats same-sex couples' property means these couples suffer unequal tax treatment,' Feuer said. 'Who else has to file two federal tax returns, let alone pay unfairly high taxes--all because the IRS flouts settled constitutional rules? It's long past time for the IRS to respect California law and honor the rights of California's same-sex couples.'"

Click to read the full post: [Link]