Gay Couples Celebrate Joint Filings On Eve Of Tax Deadline
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Not often is tax day considered a time to celebrate.
But this year, it is for many gay Americans, including Randy Jones.
Better known as the cowboy from the Village People, Jones married his longtime partner, Will Grega, last September in Manhattan.
"To stand before you today and say that my husband and I filed jointly for the first time in our 30-year relationship completely emboldens all of us," Jones told reporters, including WCBS 880's Alex Silverman, outside a Manhattan IRS office Monday.
When the Supreme Court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act last summer, it paved the way for gay couples to file their taxes as married.
Those same-sex couples who were married before 2013 can also refile tax returns from previous years, potentially resulting in refunds, John Rapetti, a certified public accountant, noted.
"Consult your tax professional, because there is some gold in there thar hills," Rapetti said.
New York legalized gay marriage in 2011.
"For those who have dedicated their lives for the fight for equality, this is a very important day," said U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.)
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