In South Carolina, married couples are faced with a unique challenge when it comes to home ownership. Currently, the law allows unmarried couples to claim two primary residences, providing both parties with tax benefits and flexibility. However, married couples can only designate one primary residence, creating an imbalance that essentially equates to a marriage tax. This policy affects real families and real lives.

Picture this: You and your spouse work in different cities, which is becoming increasingly common in our modern economy. As an unmarried couple, you could each claim your respective homes as primary residences, benefiting from homeowner exemptions on taxes and gaining financial relief. But once you marry, you are forced to choose which property is your single primary home. This choice can penalize couples financially, resulting in higher property taxes on the second property.

This policy is not only outdated but fundamentally unfair. It discourages marriage and places an undue burden on married couples, especially those with unique work and living situations. Our state's tax codes should encourage family growth and stability, not penalize those who make the personal choice to marry. By updating South Carolina's residency laws to allow married couples the option of having two primary residences, the state can prevent unnecessary financial strain and promote fairness.

The solution is simple and actionable: amend the tax regulations to permit married couples to designate two primary residences. This change would align with the realities of today's workforce, where dual-income households often necessitate living arrangements in different cities or even states. By signing this petition, you are supporting a fairer legal framework for South Carolinians and advocating for change that supports marriage, family, and financial equity.

Sign today to encourage lawmakers to reform this discriminatory tax policy and ensure that marriage is never a financial disadvantage in South Carolina.