Isabella Carter
Domestic partnerships in Ohio afford certain benefits to couples, though the state does not recognize them as legal. However, some cities and counties in Ohio allow couples to register as domestic partners, and this varies across local jurisdictions. Domestic partnerships were initially a way for same-sex couples to receive similar benefits to marriage in states where it was only accessible to opposite-sex couples. Now, certain locations in Ohio offer benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and life insurance to domestic partners and their children.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Domestic partnerships recognized by the state of Ohio | No |
| Domestic partnerships recognized by local governments in Ohio | Yes |
| Cities and counties that allow couples to register as domestic partners | Toledo, Cleveland, Yellow Springs, Franklin County, Athens, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cuyahoga County, Oberlin |
| Benefits available to domestic partners and their children | Medical, dental, vision, dependent life insurance, COBRA |
| Leave available to employees based on domestic partner's needs | Yes |
| Tax implications for employers providing benefits to domestic partners | Yes, employers must report and withhold taxes on the fair market value of the domestic partner coverage |
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What You'll Learn
- Domestic partnerships are not recognised by Ohio state law
- Certain cities and counties allow couples to register as domestic partners
- Domestic partners cannot be considered a spouse for tax purposes
- Domestic partners can access medical, dental, vision, and insurance benefits
- An affidavit of domestic partnership must be completed to qualify for coverage
Domestic partnerships are not recognised by Ohio state law
The lack of recognition at the state level means that domestic partners in Ohio do not have the same rights and benefits as married couples. For example, domestic partners cannot be considered a spouse for tax purposes, and employers are obligated to report and withhold taxes on the fair market value of the domestic partner coverage.
Despite this, some benefits are still available to domestic partners in Ohio. These include medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance. Additionally, employees can take leave based on the needs of their domestic partner and their immediate family. To qualify for these benefits, certain forms must be completed and sent to the relevant university human resources department.
It is important to note that the availability of these benefits may vary depending on the employment status of the employee and there may be tax implications involved. To remove a domestic partner from benefits, a "statement of termination of domestic partnership" form must be completed and returned to university human resources within 30 days of the termination of the partnership.
For more information on Ohio domestic partnership laws and to understand your rights, it is recommended to speak with a skilled family law attorney in your area. They can provide tailored advice and help you navigate any legal challenges.
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Certain cities and counties allow couples to register as domestic partners
While domestic partnerships are not recognized by the state of Ohio, certain cities and counties allow couples to register as domestic partners. This means that in these specific jurisdictions, individuals can enjoy the benefits of marriage without needing to be legally married.
The ability to register as a domestic partnership is especially important for same-sex couples, as it was previously the only way for them to receive the benefits of marriage in Ohio. Now, even though same-sex marriage is legal, registering as domestic partners may still be preferable for some couples, depending on their personal circumstances.
The cities of Toledo, Cleveland, Yellow Springs, Athens, Dayton, Cincinnati, and Oberlin all allow couples to register as domestic partners. Additionally, Franklin County and Cuyahoga County also permit this.
It is important to note that the specific benefits and requirements may vary depending on the city or county in which the couple registers. Therefore, it is always a good idea to speak with a family law attorney in your area to understand your options and protect your rights.
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Domestic partners cannot be considered a spouse for tax purposes
Domestic partnerships in Ohio are not authorized under state law but are recognized in certain local jurisdictions. While domestic partners can enjoy several benefits, they cannot be considered spouses for tax purposes.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has ruled that employers must report and withhold taxes on the fair market value of domestic partner coverage. This fair market value is typically defined as the amount contributed by the employer to a health plan to cover the domestic partner, which is over and above the amount contributed for a single individual. As a result, medical and dental benefits for a domestic partner are not eligible for pre-tax deductions from the employee's wages.
This ruling by the IRS differentiates the tax treatment of domestic partners from that of spouses, where certain tax advantages may be available. It is important to note that the tax implications may vary depending on the employment status of the employee and the specific circumstances involved.
While domestic partnerships in Ohio may not confer spousal status for tax purposes, they still provide important recognition and benefits to couples, particularly same-sex couples, who historically utilized domestic partnerships as a means to receive similar benefits to marriage when it was not legally accessible to them. Today, domestic partnerships in Ohio are generally available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples, although certain criteria may need to be met by opposite-sex couples in some states.
In summary, while domestic partnerships offer valuable benefits and recognition, they do not confer the same tax status as a spouse in Ohio. It is important to stay informed about the specific rules and regulations regarding domestic partnerships, as they may vary across different jurisdictions within the state.
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Domestic partners can access medical, dental, vision, and insurance benefits
While domestic partnerships are not recognized by the state of Ohio, certain cities and counties within the state do allow individuals to register as domestic partners. These include:
- Toledo
- Cleveland
- Yellow Springs
- Franklin County
- Athens
- Dayton
- Cincinnati
- Cuyahoga County
- Oberlin
In these jurisdictions, domestic partners can access medical, dental, vision, and insurance benefits. For example, in Rule 3337-40-13 of the Ohio Administrative Code, it is stated that domestic partners and their children can access medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance benefits on the same basis as an employee's spouse or children. However, it is important to note that the benefits may vary according to the employment status of the employee and may have tax implications. For instance, medical and dental benefits for a domestic partner are not eligible for pre-tax deduction from the employee's wages, and employers must report and withhold taxes on the fair market value of the domestic partner coverage.
To qualify for these benefits, an affidavit of domestic partnership must be completed and sent to the relevant university or organization's human resources department. Similarly, to remove a domestic partner or their children from these benefits, a statement of termination of domestic partnership must be submitted within 30 days of the termination of the partnership.
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An affidavit of domestic partnership must be completed to qualify for coverage
While domestic partnerships are not recognized by the state of Ohio, certain cities and counties within the state do allow individuals to register as domestic partners. These include:
- Toledo
- Cleveland
- Yellow Springs
- Franklin County
- Athens
- Dayton
- Cincinnati
- Cuyahoga County
- Oberlin
In Ohio, an affidavit of domestic partnership must be completed to qualify for coverage. This is because, in the state, domestic partnerships are not authorized under state law but are recognized in certain local jurisdictions. An affidavit of domestic partnership is a legal document that allows individuals to declare their commitment to each other and their intention to share a life together. It provides information about the couple, including their names, addresses, and the length of their relationship. The affidavit must be signed by both partners and notarized.
Completing an affidavit of domestic partnership is a necessary step to qualify for domestic partner benefits. These benefits can include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, as well as the ability to take leave to care for your partner or their immediate family. It's important to note that the availability of these benefits may vary depending on the policies of the specific city or county where the domestic partnership is registered.
To complete the affidavit of domestic partnership, individuals must meet certain criteria. While specific requirements may vary by jurisdiction, generally, domestic partners must be unmarried adults who are not related by blood and who share a committed, intimate relationship. They must also reside together and be responsible for each other's common welfare.
It is worth noting that, from a tax perspective, domestic partners are treated differently from spouses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not consider domestic partners as spouses for tax purposes, which has implications for tax deductions and reporting obligations. Seeking guidance from a qualified attorney or tax professional can help individuals understand their specific rights, benefits, and obligations arising from domestic partnership registration in Ohio.
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Frequently asked questions
Domestic partnerships are a way for same-sex couples to receive similar benefits to marriage in states where marriage was only available to opposite-sex couples.
Domestic partnerships are not authorized under Ohio state law, but they are recognized in certain local jurisdictions.
Cities and counties that allow couples to register as domestic partners include Toledo, Cleveland, Yellow Springs, Franklin County, Athens, Dayton, Cincinnati, Cuyahoga County, and Oberlin.
Domestic partners can access benefits such as medical, dental, vision, and dependent life insurance. They can also take leave based on the needs of their partner and their partner's immediate family.
Domestic partners cannot be considered a spouse for tax purposes, so employers must report and withhold taxes on the fair market value of the domestic partner coverage.
