Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Decision on Defense of Marriage Act Creates Immediate Opportunity for Tax Appeal, Marcum LLP Says
New York City, NY – Last Thursday’s decision by the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals regarding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) creates an immediate opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) families to file protective tax refund claims, according to national accounting and advisory firm Marcum. Marcum, which launched a national LGBT and non-traditional family practice last spring, advises all eligible families in this broadly underserved market to file protective claims for potential refunds of income and estate tax overpayments dating to 2009.
The Second Circuit found that DOMA’s definition of marriage as a union between a man and a woman is unconstitutional. If the U.S. Supreme Court hears the case as expected and upholds this finding, same-sex couples previously denied income and estate tax deductions available to traditional families will be able to file claims for refunds of overpayments. This will apply only to those whose marriages are recognized by the state in which they reside.
“We have been following DOMA closely for tax implications affecting same-sex couples. In addition to filing protective refund claims, non-traditional families should also carefully re-consider their current estate plans in light of the recent court decision,” said Janis Cowhey, a partner in the firm’s New York City office and a member of its Trusts and Estates Practice group, who frequently lectures on LGBT estate and income tax issues.
Marcum LLP is the thought leader in the specialty area of tax compliance and consulting services within the LGBT communities. The firm’s professionals have more than 20 years of experience in dealing with the complex tax and financial rules faced by LGBT couples and families, state-by-state and around the country.
About Marcum LLP
Marcum LLP is a top-ranked national accounting and advisory firm dedicated to helping entrepreneurial, middle-market companies and high net worth individuals achieve their goals. Marcum’s industry-focused practices offer deep insight and specialized services to privately held and publicly registered companies, and nonprofit and social sector organizations. The Firm also provides a full complement of technology, wealth management, and executive search and staffing services. Headquartered in New York City, Marcum has offices in major business markets across the U.S. and select international locations. #AskMarcum.
