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Montana Same-Sex Spouses Now Must File as Married

Couples in the state are also considered married for income tax filing purposes

By Dillon Tabish

BOZEMAN — The Montana Department of Revenue says same-sex married couples in the state are considered married for tax filing purposes.

A federal judge on Nov. 19 overturned Montana’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Revenue Director Mike Kadas says the agency isn’t making a judgment on the legality of same-sex marriage, just clarifying the issue for tax administration purposes.

Guidance from the Internal Revenue Service says that all same-sex couples married in states which recognize same-sex marriage are considered married for federal income tax purposes. Kadas says that extends to state tax returns. Same-sex couples in Montana can file as married filing jointly or married filing separately.

The Bozeman Chronicle reports 35 states now recognize same-sex marriage.

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