California bill
simplifies state tax filing for domestic partners

The California assembly tax committee passed legislation Monday by a vote of 5-3 that would simplify state income tax filing for registered domestic partners.

The Domestic Partners Joint Income Tax Filing Implementation Bill was authored by Sen. Carole Migden, a San Francisco Democrat, and sponsored by LGBT advocacy group Equality California. The changes will begin with filing for the 2007 fiscal year, according to an Equality California press release. The measure passed the state senate in May with a 37-2 vote and will next be heard by the state assembly's appropriations committee.

"Despite the differences between state and federal tax laws, domestic partners in California will be able to file their 2007 income taxes next year with few headaches," Migden said in the statement. "All California families deserve to be treated with dignity and respect under law. In achieving equality for state income tax purposes, we give same-sex couples the added benefit of saving money on their tax bills." (The Advocate)