Same-sex couples can lose up to $6,000 a year in tax benefits {x-post}

[xchrom]

http://lgbtweekly.com/2011/12/27/same-sex-couples-can-lose-up-to-6000-a-year-in-tax-benefits/


Kenneth Weissenberg and his spouse, Brian Sheerin. // Photo Credit: CNN Money

A new study at CNN Money reveals that couples in same-sex marriages lose nearly $6,000 a year in federal tax benefits since the federal government does not legally recognize their union.

While same-sex spouses are entitled to some state benefits, the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) prevents those married legally in their states to file their federal return jointly, resulting in financial discrimination for couples who are legally married in their respective states.

The translation: those in gay marriages are not entitled to the same benefits as married heterosexual couples. While the study does not necessarily illuminate this fact for the first time, it’s one of the first studies to break down the financial discrimination presented by the federal government in wake of the legalization of DOMA.

“It’s costing these families thousands of dollars a year, as well as the emotional pain and suffering,” said Ken Weissenberg, a partner at accounting firm EisnerAmper, in a statement to CNN Money. Weissenberg is also a partner in a same-sex marriage.

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. So they shouldn't choose to be gay!

[stillwaiting]

2. When you add the amount of money that many gay couples lose...

... over their inability for many to include their partner on their health insurance policies at work, the amount of money that gay couples lose per year can be astronomical.

Much more than 6,000 per year just due to health care costs alone.

So much injustice in the current system.

[tridim]

3. Same with straight folks who choose not to marry

[susanr516]

4. Not the same at all

Straight folks have the ability to CHOOSE not to marry. LGBT folks don't have the ability to make that choice.

Marriage equality, NOW.

[xchrom]

6. it's ironic you have to point that out on DU -- even more ironic

i expected a post like that.

[PA Democrat]

7. "Choose" being the operative word. Gays do not get to choose.

[tridim]

10. However the result is the same.

Sorry for using the wrong word. I obviously know most gay couples don't get a choice.

I don't believe in the institution of marriage, gay or straight. It is simply my opinion, based on 40 years of observation.

I pay a penalty to the IRS for that opinion.

[PA Democrat]

12. Being FORCED to incur a financial penalty and CHOOSING to incur one

are not the same.

That's like saying being robbed at gunpoint is the same as making a charitable donation. After all, the result is the same: you have less money.

[Occulus]

8. On display for all to see.

[tridim]

9. I'm not ashamed of what I said.

I'm single and don't BELIEVE in marriage, and because of that belief I am punished in American society.

The fact that you are all trying to make me out to be anti-gay is a very low blow. You all know what I meant.

[MadrasT]

14. I understand what you are saying

and I agree with you.

[William769]

13. One small difference. Gay couples don't get to choose in 42 States!

Last edited Tue Jan 3, 2012, 03:32 PM - Edit history (1)

And eve in the States they do get to choose, still doesn't count.

[HillWilliam]

5. K&R

And depending on the state (like NC) we lose even more than that.

Worse, the insane clown posse GOP-controlled state house just put a proposal on the ballot to amend the state constitution to permanently exclude same-sex couples. What a cynical way to turn out the nutcases; even moreso since the JOBS-JOBS-JOBS they ran on have yet to appear. They've put every other kind of right-wing-extremist legislation into effect despite Gov Perdue's efforts to keep a lid on it.

I'm sick to fucking death of being a political football.

[woo me with science]

11. I need to think about this some more.

I'm pretty sure my position is evolving.