Human Resources

In 1995 Bowdoin College became one of the first employers in Maine to offer health benefits to domestic partners of the opposite or same gender. In doing so, the College removed barriers to quality health insurance for some members of our faculty and staff and their families.

Employees who take advantage of this policy are taxed at a higher rate than their married counterparts who enjoy the same benefits. Federal law precludes employees from paying for a domestic partner’s insurance with pre-tax dollars. In addition, the College portion of insurance payments for the domestic partner is taxed as imputed income.  The College implemented a plan to remedy this inequitable situation and make benefits affordable equally to all employees regardless of their domestic situation, while maintaining Bowdoin’s position as a leading employer in the State of Maine.  For more information about leading businesses reimbursing employees with domestic partners for the extra taxes they may incur, check out this recent article in the New York Times.

Are you thinking of adding your domestic partner to your beneft plans?  Please read and review the following and make an appointment to meet with Mary Cote (x3033) in Human Resources.

• Domestic Partner Tax Information
• Certification of Domestic Partnership and Dependents Form
• Termination of Domestic Partnership or Tax-Qualified Dependent Status Form