Same-sex stipend may be first in the US
Cambridge seeks to defray federal tax on health care:
In a move that may be the first of its kind in the country, Cambridge will soon begin making payments to same-sex married public employees to defray the cost of what local officials have called a discriminatory federal tax.
Beginning in July, the city will begin paying quarterly stipends to city employees in a same-sex marriage who must pay federal taxes on the value of the health benefits their spouse receives from the city.
Federal law requires employers to calculate the value of the benefits received by a same-sex spouse as taxable income to the employee, but health benefits of an opposite-sex spouse as not taxable.
Rest of article here: www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/06/09/same_sex_stipend_a_first_in_the_us/
Thoughts? I have to hope that at some point (though I won't hold my breath) the federal tax is stopped or at least expanded to include heterosexual married couples as well. Maybe more places/companies will jump on the bandwagon...
In a move that may be the first of its kind in the country, Cambridge will soon begin making payments to same-sex married public employees to defray the cost of what local officials have called a discriminatory federal tax.
Beginning in July, the city will begin paying quarterly stipends to city employees in a same-sex marriage who must pay federal taxes on the value of the health benefits their spouse receives from the city.
Federal law requires employers to calculate the value of the benefits received by a same-sex spouse as taxable income to the employee, but health benefits of an opposite-sex spouse as not taxable.
Rest of article here: www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/articles/2011/06/09/same_sex_stipend_a_first_in_the_us/
Thoughts? I have to hope that at some point (though I won't hold my breath) the federal tax is stopped or at least expanded to include heterosexual married couples as well. Maybe more places/companies will jump on the bandwagon...