While California generally treats registered domestic partners and married couples equally in terms of rights and responsibilities, the federal government does not always treat registered domestic partners the same as spouses for legal or tax purposes.

Is my domestic partner a tax dependent?

Federal law treats benefits for spouses, children and certain dependents the same way. However, a domestic partner is not considered a spouse under federal law. To qualify as a dependent, your partner must receive more than half of his or her support from you.

Can domestic partner benefits be pre tax?

IRS regulations for cafeteria plans do not allow employee premiums for domestic partner benefits to be taken on a pre-tax basis and must be treated as a taxable benefit. Since this is a federally taxable benefit, you cannot use pre-tax dollars to pay for it.

Can I put my live in girlfriend on my health insurance?

Since there is no legal financial obligation between yourself and your girlfriend, she cannot be added to most health insurance policies. Even if the law does not recognize common law marriage, you may be able to add your girlfriend as a domestic partner if your health insurer allows.

Can I put my girlfriend on my federal health insurance?

Will domestic partners/non-married partners be eligible for coverage under a Self Plus One enrollment? No. Only legally married spouses are considered eligible family members under any FEHB enrollment, including Self Plus One.

Can a registered domestic partner file a federal tax return?

Registered domestic partners may not file a federal return using a married filing separately or jointly filing status. Registered domestic partners are not married under state law. Therefore, these taxpayers are not married for federal tax purposes.

How are domestic partner health benefits taxed?

Domestic partner health benefits are treated like income by the federal government and most states, and are taxed as if the employee received a raise in salary for the value of the health coverage.

How does a domestic partnership work in California?

A registered domestic partnership provides a couple the same rights, protections, and benefits as a married couple in the State of California. The Federal Government does not recognize domestic partnerships and therefore the benefits for the domestic partner become a reportable or taxable income for the employee.

Can a same-sex couple have a domestic partnership?

Domestic partnerships are only recognized in a few states, which require registration of the relationship in order to be afforded those rights. While this type of relationship is most commonly used by same-sex partners, it is available in some states to partners of same or opposite sex who live together, sharing a domestic life.