House Democrats Introduce Bill to Revamp Tax Code for Same-Sex Couples

Rep. Sander Levin, D-Mich., the ranking Democrat on the tax-writing House Ways and Means Committee, has introduced legislation to clarify equal treatment for all married couples under the U.S. tax code in response to the Supreme Court's ruling last month allowing same-sex marriage in every state.

The bill that Levin introduced Thursday in the House is a companion to one that Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and the full Senate Democratic caucus introduced last week in the Senate (see Senate Democrats Introduce Bill to Make Tax Code Gender Neutral for Same-Sex Couples). Joining Levin as original cosponsors in the House on introduction were House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn, D-S.C., all 14 Ways and Means Committee Democrats, and Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich.

Levin’s Equal Dignity for Married Taxpayers Act would update the Tax Code to be consistent with the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision that same-sex couples have a constitutional right to marry, and would make sure the Tax Code is updated to both reflect the ruling and ensure equality for all married Americans.

“As the Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of marriage equality, my bill would effectuate this equality to all married couples under our country’s tax code, providing them with the fairness, dignity, and basic rights we all deserve,” Levin said in a statement.

Last week, Levin also cosponsored legislation that would update all other parts of the U.S. Tax Code to reflect marriage equality and ensure equal treatment for all married couples under law.

To view a copy of the bill, click here.

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