Taxes for Registered Domestic Partners and Same-Sex Married Couples - This summer, the U.S. Supreme court held that section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) is unconstitutional. DOMA was a federal act that limited marriage recognition to opposite sex married couples. The Supreme Court ruling does not impact Registered Domestic Partners and Civil Unions. They are still considered unmarried for federal tax purposes and in community property states (like California) they must still allocate income and deductions according to community property laws. Many issues still need to be resolved and we will keep abreast of those key issues as things evolve. It is important to our families and important to yours!

How can we make a difference? - RDPs and SSMCs have already faced discrimination with an unfair, confusing and costly tax environment. Some CPAs view this as a lucrative opportunity and others just don't want to take on the headaches of this special area. Yes, an RDP return costs more to prepare and some of that cost has to be passed on to the client but we are very reasonable about this. We want to keep our clients for the long run, not just until tax equality happens for all. So we are keeping up as events unfold and making it our business to know the what this means for our clients at tax time and for planning for their life events. Laurel was also a proud tax volunteer for the amazing San Francisco LGBT Community Center. She volunteered her time and they provided the most current IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) training for RDP and SSMC returns.

RDP & SSMC Services Include:

• Tax Planning and Filing for RDPs and SSMCs
• Amended Returns
• Protective Claims for Refunds
• Community Property Issues
• Estate Planning

Tax Benefits of the Windsor Case Ruling Include:

• Tax free employer health coverage for same-sex spouse
• IRA or retirement plan distributions and contributions using spousal rules
• No tax due on property settlement or transfers of property between spouses
• No tax on gifts to spouse
• Spousal estate tax exemption
• $500,000 sale of residence exclusion even if only one spouse is on title.

1826 Clement Avenue Ste 201
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: 510.500.9555
 
e-mail: info@LaurelSullivanCPA.com
www.LaurelSullivanCPA.com