Facebook Comps Gay Workers for Extra Taxes

Facebook announced that it will offset the financial burden of its U.S.-based employees who must pay additional federal taxes for putting their domestic partners on the company's health benefit plans.

The company stands with a handful of others around the world that operate in the United States, including Google, Cisco Systems, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Barclays Bank, and Kimpton Hotels. Facebook's new policy will begin January 1.

The New York Times reports that the Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Co. may also join this small group of employers.

According to a 2007 Williams Institute study, employees with domestic partners paid about $1,069 more in annual taxes than a married employee, and with changing health care costs, the amount will have likely increased.