Laura Hoexter Chimes in on New IRS Rules for Registered Domestic Partners


In an interview for National Public Radio, Helsell Fetterman’s Laura Hoexter provided insights on how new IRS rules will impact same-sex couples.

Recent rulings from that IRS mean that registered domestic partners in community property states—Washington, California and Nevada—have to file income taxes in a different way this year. Couples in registered domestic partnerships now benefit from income-splitting and credits that adjust tax brackets and incentives to more accurately reflect their specific living situations.

“I know it’s confusing. I know it’s time-consuming. But this really is a step in the right direction,” Helsell Fetterman Estate Planning Attorney Laura Hoexter optimistically stated. Though she clarified that this still doesn’t allow registered domestic partners to file jointly, Hoexter welcomed the change as a means of improving the equity of the tax system for registered domestic partners.

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Hear NPR’s interviews with Laura, Howard Choder, Amanda Beane and Anne Bryson-Beane. Listen to the three-minute clip »


Contact Laura at lhoexter@helsell.com or (206) 689-2153