For N.J. same-sex couples, filing taxes turns headaches into migraines

[JackBeck]

By Sharyn Jackson/The Star-Ledger

When the city of San Francisco briefly legalized same-sex marriage in 2004, Jack Denelsbeck and Jonathan Javins jumped at the chance to wed. The couple had been together for seven years, and at a time when gay marriage wasn’t legal anywhere else, they thought it would be their only chance to say their vows in front of friends and family.

"I will never forget how overwhelming it felt to join hands and exchange rings," said Denelsbeck, 33. "We both burst into uncontrollable heaving sobs."

The last thing on their minds was taxes.

Soon afterward, the California Supreme Court deemed the couple’s nuptials invalid. So when Denelsbeck and Javins moved to New Jersey from Brooklyn three years later, they entered into a civil union, which grants the same rights and protections as marriage, only without the title. It wasn’t as romantic as that day at San Francisco’s city hall, but finally gaining recognition of their relationship overshadowed the shock that would come later.

More at: http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/04/for_nj_same-sex_couples_filing.html

Another one of the countless reminders that we are still second-class citzens.

[Skittles]

1. under the tax code, single folk are second class citizens

you have to be heterosexual AND married to be considered worthy by the IRS

[xchrom]

2. Du rec. Nt

[JackBeck]

5. Should I send the reporter some flowers for making me 5 years younger?

I'm actually 38, not 33.

[xchrom]

7. Lol...shit I would! Nt

[Politicalboi]

3. Until they recognize us

We shouldn't have to pay ANY taxes. Fuck them. Lawsuits should start with the states, and lead to the feds. Gay marriage should be recognized throughout the US. Those states that don't allow for it, should have to pay gay couples to move to states that do allow it if they want to move. Until the gay community goes for the big money, we aren't getting anywhere here. And getting your taxes done should be the governments job to provide for free.

[JackBeck]

9. We currently have a lawsuit making its way through the courts

while we also build bipartisan coalitions in the legislature for an override of Christie's veto.

Our argument that New Jersey’s marriage laws deny equal protection under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was reinstated back in February.

Momentum continues to build and I wouldn't be surprised that we see marriage equality in the United States within the next 10 years.

[FarCenter]

4. Using tax software, you would set up 3 files, which computes 9 returns, of which you file 5

The files would be a joint file and two individual files. With the federal and NJ and NY state packages installed, it can calculate all 9 returns. Then you file the NJ joint, and the Fed and NY individual returns.

I'm missing why this is hard. It is similar to what I did for my offspring who married during the year, moved one residence from NY to NJ during the year, and one continued to work in NY. They filed 4 returns.

Of course it is complicated. It would be simpler for all if states like NJ, CT, DE, MD and a number of others didn't exist so we wouldn't have all these PITA state laws. OTOH, NJ's state income tax is a lot simpler than NYs, what with all the preferences in the tax code and the NYC and Yonkers income tax.

A good reform woiuld be to collect all taxes at the federal level and eliminate state taxes. It would also solve the online collection of sales taxes. Just use one sales tax nationaly and it always gets collected.

[tabbycat31]

6. As a former tax preparer, the tax issue woke me up on marriage equality

As a straight ally, I was indifferent on the issue until I did a gay couple's tax return (working for a large chain) in 2007. When I saw that they had to not only prepare multiple returns (as a single straight, I had to do 3 myself this year as campaigns never seem to take me in state and I'm fretting my Wisconsin return now), but had to pay (federal) taxes on 100% of the value of their partner's health insurance, I sat there with my jaw dropped. They completely expected it, but I did not.

[JackBeck]

8. Your support as an ally will never be forgotten.

Whether it's seeing you in Trenton or at any other Garden State Equality event throughout the state, you are helping make New Jersey one of the most progressive states when in comes to LGBT equality.

Thank you for all that you do!