For many married couples across the country, filing your federal taxes just got a lot less complicated. As of last Tuesday, if you are a part of a legal same sex marriage, you will be treated just like heterosexual married couples under federal tax laws.  The Treasury Departments and the IRS just announced that all married couples will receive identical benefits for filing jointly regardless of where the couple lives.

“Today’s ruling provides certainty and clear, coherent tax filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide. It provides access to benefits, responsibilities and protections under federal tax law that all Americans deserve,” Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a written statement*

The tax ruling, however, will not apply to persons in civil unions or domestic partnerships. Nevertheless, the ruling is another huge milestone for same-sex couples. Moving forward, everyone will receive the same treatment across the board.

If you have any questions regarding your marriage or are interested in creating a prenuptial agreement, please contact our California Certified Family Law Specialists (as certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization) at Lonich Patton Erlich Policastri. Our attorneys have decades of experience handling a wide array of family law cases and are more than happy to meet with you for a free consultation.

Please remember that each individual situation is unique and results discussed in this post are not a guarantee of future results. While this post may include legal issues, it is not legal advice. Use of this site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

 
*Via Fox News, “IRS Extends Tax Benefits to Married Gay Couples.” Find the full text here: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/08/29/irs-issues-tax-rules-for-married-gay-couples/#ixzz2dTc44G5n