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Does it cost anything to legalize same-sex marriage?

Updated: 8/20/2019
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Clairebear97

Lvl 1
12y ago

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The initial implementation does involve some extra cost to state and local government. Paper forms must be changed to allow for gender neutral language, as do the data entry screens clerks use to enter the information. There is also minimal re-training of clerical staff.

Other than that, the only other cost associated with the legalization of same-sex marriage is the additional benefits that must be extended to same-sex couples that may not have been previously extended. This includes spousal health insurance by employers and Social Security Survivor benefits (when DOMA is overturned). There are also changes in eligibility and calculation of such entitled programs as Medicaid (state administered), Welfare (state administered), Food Stamps (federally administered), public housing (state administered) and state and federal tuition assistance. When same-sex couples are recognized as spouses, it could become easier or more difficult for them to qualify for benefits and benefits could be reduced or increased.

With regard to income taxes. Permitting same-sex couples to file jointly as married on state or federal returns could reduce the amount of tax liability in many cases, particularly where one spouse is the breadwinner and the other has minimal income. It could also increase the amount of tax owed by working couples because of the so-called "marriage penalty." Same-sex married couples would be able to transfer assets, including real estate and cars, between each other without paying sales tax or estate/inheritance tax. If permitted to file jointly as married on federal income tax return, more couples would qualify for the EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit).

Despite all of the effects on the taxes that government receives and the entitlements that government pays out, experts generally cite the net effect as not being substantial. Also, as far as employment goes, same-sex marriage is not generally enacted suddenly in states where no prior legal recognition has existed. Therefore, same-sex couples may have already had access to benefits by virtue of legal recognition of civil unions or domestic partnerships.

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