Ohio Bill Allows Same-Sex Couples to File Jointly

Proposed legislation would allow same-sex couples in Ohio to file joint state tax returns in line with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that permits such couples to jointly file federal taxes.

Backers say the bill could be enacted despite a 2004 constitutional amendment banning gay marriage in Ohio.

The legislation's sponsors told the Northeast Ohio Media Group for a story Wednesday (http://bit.ly/J7oMtq ) that same-sex couples in Ohio are being forced to prepare two different sets of tax returns.

They say that means extra costs for same-sex couples who hire someone to handle their taxes.

The Ohio Department of Taxation maintains that state law and the constitution only permit joint filing by married couples.

The Democratic-backed proposal faces a tough road in the GOP-dominated Legislature.