Tax Tips for Lesbians & Gays

Gay and lesbian couples who were legally married in Massachusetts, California or Connecticut or registered as domestic partners in states such as Oregon, New Jersey and Washington will still need to file as single on their Federal Tax Returns.

Because of the Defense of Marriage Law, the IRS and the rest of the United States Government does not recognize anything other than legally married opposite-sex couples.

Law allows married straight couples to file jointly and divide their income, resulting in a lower tax rate.

The IRS warns that attempts by gay and lesbian couples to file a joint return may result in fines or other penalties.

A study by the Human Rights Campaign and Urban Institute in 2004 shows that gays and lesbians pay higher taxes and get fewer benefits than straight couples.