In the first two of what are expected to be many post-Defense of Marriage Act guidelines, the IRS announced Thursday that same-sex couples can file joint tax returns, while the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said same-sex spouses now have equal access to nursing homes via Medicare.
Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said in a news release the new rules will provide "clear, coherent tax filing guidance for all legally married same-sex couples nationwide."
Not all same-sex couples will benefit from the decision; some may pay higher income taxes as a result of the "marriage penalty." All will have the opportunity to amend their tax returns from 2010-12 – but only if they choose.
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