SALT LAKE CITY — State officials are notifying gay couples that Utah’s policy about joint tax returns is unchanged despite recent federal recognition of same-sex couples.

The Utah State Tax Commission announced Thursday that same-sex couples whose marriage may be recognized in another state are still required to file separate Utah tax returns.

Federal officials announced in August that gay couples could file joint federal tax returns even if they reside in states that do not recognize same-sex marriages.

The federal decision came in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision that invalidated a section of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.

State Tax Commission spokesman Charlie Roberts says in a statement that because Utah does not recognize same sex marriages, gay couples will have to file separate state returns.

Idaho, Kansas and Montana have made similar policy announcements within the past week.

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