THE VOICE OF CHICAGO'S GAY, LESBIAN, BI, TRANS AND QUEER COMMUNITY SINCE 1985

"Civil Unions are meant to bring equality to committed couples, but differences in state and federal law require couples in civil unions to take additional steps to file jointly," Cassidy said. "Since this came to light, the Department of Revenue has made changes and I want to make sure that couples know to double check their tax returns and amend their filings if necessary before tax day."

When Illinois legalized civil unions for same-sex couples, the state revenue code was updated to incorporate civil unions, but couples filing joint returns in Illinois cannot file jointly at the federal level. Without a joint federal return, same-sex couples could be taxed at a higher level than their opposite-sex peers and in some cases, their benefits could be improperly taxed. This Tax Return Seminar will allow couples in civil unions to ask questions and receive advice from lawyers, accountants, and representatives from the Illinois Department of Revenue on how to properly file and correct their income tax returns.

"The Illinois Department of Revenue has taken steps to correct these oversights but those filing taxes this year could find themselves paying too much," Cassidy said. "This seminar should give newly unionized couples the tools they need to file properly."

For more information, or to RSVP, please contact Cassidy's office at ( 773 ) 784-2002.