State To Provide Refunds For Estate Taxes Paid By Same-Sex Spouses
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- The State of New York said Tuesday that it will give same-sex spouses refunds for estate taxes they were forced to pay because federal law didn't recognize gay marriage.
Governor Andrew Cuomo said Tuesday that the refunds for overpayment of estate taxes are the result of the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court striking down part of the Defense of Marriage Act.
Same-sex married couples may have been required to pay thousands of dollars more in New York estate taxes when their spouses died and left property and assets because they were not treated the same as if they'd been in traditional marriages, officials said.
Taxpayers who may be eligible can contact the state Taxpayer Information Center at (518) 457-5387, officials said.
In a 5-4 ruling, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a provision of the Defense of Marriage Act that had prevented married gay couples from receiving a range of tax, health and retirement benefits that are generally available to married people.
New York legalized same-sex marriage in 2011.
It was not yet known Tuesday how much money would be refunded.
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