Married same-sex couples in Indiana could pay more for tax filings

[William769]

INDIANAPOLIS — Conflicting state and federal policies will likely cost Indiana same-sex couples more when they file their tax returns this year, experts say.

The Internal Revenue Service decided to recognize gay marriages after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down sections of the Defense of Marriage Act. But about half of the nation’s states have not adopted the federal tax policy, and a measure introduced in the General Assembly last week is on track to ensure Indiana does not either.

Department of Revenue spokesman Bob Dittmer said staff analyses show that keeping the current policy shouldn’t cost the state or individuals more on actual taxes, but lawyers and accountants say the price tag for filing likely will be higher.

The split means Indiana same-sex couples who choose to take advantage of the new federal policy will have to prepare five tax returns this year: one jointly for federal taxes, two each to file separately for the state and two mock federal returns with the split assets, said John McGowan, who heads the LGBT practice at Northern Trust. The mock federal returns would be the basis for the separate state returns.

http://www.lgbtqnation.com/2014/03/married-same-sex-couples-in-indiana-could-pay-more-for-tax-filings/

[okaawhatever]

1. Maybe time for the LGBT advocates to ask H & R Block if they will voluntarily prepare the returns

for the same price as married heteros. I realize it's more work, but it would be a great way to earn a lot of business.

[William769]

2. Good idea.

I don't know much about H&R Block Maybe a phone call to cooperate office might get the ball rolling.

Thanks.

[okaawhatever]

3. There are both franchise and corporate offices. If you can't get the corporation to do it

the individual franchisees may agree. If there are LGBT advertising sources in the different areas, you may ask them to donate some ad space and trade free advertising for doing it as well. Good luck.