Today TaxMama wants to discuss a tax issue that will affect tax preparers, certain taxpayers – and perhaps your friends and relatives around the country. Same-Sex marriage. Please don’t turn away because the  topic is odious to you. You probably know someone affected – and may be able to help them.

Today TaxMama hears from PS from California in the TaxQuips Forum, with this question. “Prior to getting married, my girlfriend had me on her medical benefits through her employer because it was significantly less than through my work.  The benefits I received are considered “income” by Federal govt and are actually added to her taxable wages.  In California, the state does not tax partner benefits; the partner benefits are not included in state wages. We got married at the end of 2009.  According to the IRS, the marital status as of Dec 31 is the marriage status for the whole year.  So, should her employer amend her W2 to take off all the taxable partner benefits for ALL of 2009?  In essence, should they redo her wages and benefits to treat her as married for the whole year?  I have not been able to find any IRS documents or reference in a case like this.” 

http://taxmama.com/forum/taxquips/married-this-year-domestic-partner-benefits-still-taxable

Today TaxMama hears from Stephen in the TaxQuips Forum who is surprised. “Hang on here, Mama. You’ve raised a question in your answer. I thought that Social Security benefits were not taxable if you waited until full retirement age. Only early retirement takers had a maximum income that you could earn. Help. Straighten me out here, please.”

http://taxmama.com/forum/taxquips/is-social-security-taxable/ 

Today TaxMama hears from Jerry in Colorado, with a surprisingly common question. “What allows a spouse to claim the other as a dependent and how is the ‘dependent spouse’s Social Security income accounted for? What would be the filing status of the ’supporting spouse’ [married, married filing separate, other]?”

Today TaxMama hears from Madhu in Minnesota who needs help.  “I have a peculiar case and need your opinion here. I am living & working in MN and make a lot of money. My wife lives & studies in WI and she has an on-campus job, earning enough to cover her basic living expenses.  Our state of residence is different and so is our tax bracket. So I am not sure whether I should be filling jointly or separately. If I file jointly, I would end up paying a lot of state tax to WI. I am paying her tuition fees and I suppose that would be taken into account irrespective of whether we file jointly or separately.”  http://taxmama.com/forum/taxquips/should-i-be-filing-as-mfj-or-mfs/

Today TaxMama hears from Anthony in North Carolina with this story. “My son’s pregnant girlfriend moved in, back in May and the baby was just born. My question is, will I be able to claim both of them, girlfriend and baby, on my 2009 taxes? If so will I get the child tax credit for the baby?”

Today TaxMama hears from Orla in Colorado. “I have a friend who has provided full support for his girl friend who is unemployed, and her daughter who is 18 and in high school. They both have lived with him for the full year. He should be able to file head of household but can he claim them as dependents?”

Today TaxMama hears from Greta in New York with this question. “I am thinking of filing a separate tax, without my husband. I pay most of the bills. Can I claim the house; or do we have to divide it?”