COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Proposed legislation would allow same-sex couples in Ohio to file joint state tax returns in line with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that permits such couples to jointly file federal taxes.
Backers say the bill could be enacted despite a 2004 constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Ohio.
The legislation’s sponsors told the Northeast Ohio Media Group for a story Wednesday that same-sex couples in Ohio are being forced to prepare two different sets of tax returns.
They say that means extra costs for same-sex couples who hire someone to handle their taxes.
The Ohio Department of Taxation maintains that state law and the constitution only permit joint filing by married couples.
The Democratic-backed proposal faces a tough road in the GOP-dominated Legislature.
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