Registered Domestic Partners are considered single for federal tax returns. You would need to file a joint CA return or married filing separately but, all income and deductions would be divided equally as community property and that results in higher state taxes. You may save some taxes on the federal return because in some instances there is a marriage penalty. You could try to do a comparison by doing some test returns. You would need to do 3 returns to get an answer. Your, your significant other and the joint return. Generally the benefits of the RDP in California is: 1)Avoid married tax penalty; 2) Legal rights to children; 3) The right to adopt; 4) The right to bereavement leave; 5) Family leave for a partner in need. 6) Visitation rights; 7) Inheritance rights.
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