Tax preparation
company H&R Block has agreed to give $100 coupons or
free TaxCut software to gay couples who paid additional
costs because they were barred from using the
company's online tax service, TaxCut Online. After
urging from the American Civil Liberties Union, the company
is also offering free online tax support for couples who
joined in civil unions.
Connecticut
couple Jason Smith and Settimio Pisu received a message that
the company's online service didn't support tax returns for
couples who'd had civil unions; those
couples were directed to visit an H&R Block
office to complete their returns. The ACLU sent a letter to
H&R Block in March demanding that it stop
penalizing such couples. Connecticut law bans
discrimination based on civil union status.
ACLU staff
attorney Rebecca Shore said in a statement, "Saying you've
been civilly united will never be the same as saying you're
married, but at least gay couples will no longer face
the prospect of paying more to prepare their taxes."
Those interested
can request a coupon at taxcut.com/tax_tips/aclu.html (The
Advocate)
