By Bob Katzen

The Senate 10-29, rejected an amendment that would abolish the current requirement that Massachusetts married couples who file income tax returns jointly at the federal level do the same at the state level.

Amendment supporters said that since these mararied couples are currently required to file jointly at the state level, their combined income can total more than $1 million and the 4 percent surtax applies to them and many more filers which is not what the voters approved on the November 2022 ballot question imposing the 4 percent surtax.

“This amendment would have restored the original language of the surtax which would have allowed married couples in Massachusetts to file state taxes separately despite filing jointly for federal taxes,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “In doing so, couples in Massachusetts would have had the opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned income versus sending it over to the state.”

Amendment opponents said requiring married couples who file jointly at the federal level to file jointly with the state is reasonable and is working well. They noted the surtax is raising more money than predicted and is allowing funding of some of the most important programs in the budgets including universal free school meals, breakfast and lunch, for every student; free community college; and increased scholarships — none of that would be possible without the surtax revenues.

(A “Yes” vote is for the amendment abolishing the joint filing requirement. A “No” vote is against the amendment and favors requiring joint filing.)

Sen. Patricia Jehlen No