Calif. Seeks Tax Fairness for Gay Couples

The California state assembly on Monday endorsed a resolution seeking tax equity from the federal government for same-sex couples with community property.

Sponsored by Los Angeles assemblyman Mike Feuer, the measure urges the Internal Revenue Service to treat married same-sex couples and domestic partners equally to married heterosexual couples in regard to community property matters.

California tax law requires married gay couples and registered domestic partners to report half of their community income to the state, the Associated Press reports, which can mean tax savings, particularly if there are disparities in a couple's earnings.

The IRS, however, has not afforded gay couples the same tax advantages for community property as it does for heterosexual married couples.

Earlier this year the IRS issued an advisory for domestic partners to report one half of community property on federal returns, but the policy recommendation was not legally binding.

"[The IRS] needs to ensure that same-sex married couples can enjoy the same protections from unfairly high taxes. I urge the IRS to respect California law and honor the rights of all of California's same sex couples," Feuer said in a statement.