Bethesda, MD (August 25, 2015) Thompson Information Services, a leading publisher of HR compliance information, today released a new edition of the Guide to Benefits for Domestic Partners and Same-Sex Couples, which includes key information and insights for employers who must make changes to spousal and domestic partner benefits in light of the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell vs. Hodges.

The landmark ruling established marriage equality nationwide while raising a host of legal and tax questions for employers. The updated Guide explains the steps employers must take as they get new benefit and tax questions from employees with same-sex spouses and features helpful resources for:

• Reviewing payroll procedures regarding the taxation of such benefits to ensure the proper federal and state tax treatment of benefits extended to same-sex spouses
• Determining whether any changes should be made to the coverage and other benefit options provided to unmarried partners who are in a domestic partnership or civil union
• Revamping employee benefit plan document language to ensure it complies with the new ruling

“Thompson is pleased that in our new Guide, Todd Solomon, one of the nation’s premier legal experts on benefits for domestic partners and same-sex couples, addresses key questions on how Obergefell vs. Hodges affects plan administration,” said Gwen Cofield, managing editor of Thompson’s human resources compliance division . “Many of the answers are not straightforward, which will make the Guide a valuable resource for employers trying to balance meeting their legal obligations with their desire to offer attractive benefit packages.”

"This book is the definitive resource for understanding the ins and outs of offering benefits to same-sex partners and spouses. The book contains an up to the minute description of the state of the law and the impact of the recent U.S. Supreme Court marriage equality decision on same-sex partner benefits, including a full analysis of the burning question of the future of benefits for unmarried partners. The book will explain which benefits an employer is required to offer, which remain optional, and what administrative challenges an employer must be prepared to deal with in connection with its domestic partner benefits program."

The Guide to Benefits for Domestic Partners and Same-Sex Couples is available in print or as part of Thompson’s HR-focused digital research libraries.

About Thompson Information Services, a division of Columbia Books & Information Services

Since 1972, thousands of professionals in business, government, law and academia have relied on Thompson Information Services for the most authoritative, timely and practical guidance available. Throughout the years, these professionals have depended on Thompson for help complying with ever-changing regulatory mandates facing their organizations in a variety of areas. These areas include: Human Resources; Retirement Plans and Employee Benefits; Grants Development and Management; Food and Drug; Environment, Energy and Health Care.