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Michigan Treasury says Same-Sex Spouses Have To File Separately

Michigan is asking same-sex couples married in states that allow it to file separate tax returns. That’s despite the fact that the federal government recognizes their relationships.

We have more from The Michigan Public Radio Network’s Rick Pluta.

Michigan does not recognize same-sex marriages under a 2004 amendment to the state constitution. But Michigan tax forms rely on people using their federally recognized relationship status to complete their state returns. So Michigan is now asking same-sex couples married in other states to keep filing separately, and use a worksheet to figure out their state income taxes.

That means same-sex married couples filing a joint federal return will still have to file individual Michigan returns. The state Treasury says there are no plans to inquire on tax forms whether a married couple is in a same-sex or heterosexual relationship.

Rick Pluta is Senior Capitol Correspondent for the Michigan Public Radio Network. He has been covering Michigan’s Capitol, government, and politics since 1987. His journalism background includes stints with UPI, The Elizabeth (NJ) Daily Journal, The (Pontiac, MI) Oakland Press, and WJR. He is also a lifelong public radio listener.
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