Indiana Governor Signs Executive Order on Marriage

STATEWIDE–Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has issued an executive order aimed at eliminating tax penalties on marriage in the state.

Braun says the order highlights how the current tax system disadvantages married couples and aims to encourage marriage rates in Indiana.

“An initial review of Indiana’s tax and benefits policies found multiple instances of policies that may be disincentivizing marriage. For example, a single filer can deduct up to $3,000 in rent, but a married couple filing jointly also gets only $3,000—not double. Also, a single filer and a married couple get the same $1,500 max credit on 529 contributions,” said Braun in Monday morning news release.

State agencies are directed to evaluate laws and policies that disadvantage married couples and provide recommendations for changes by July 1. This order is part of Braun’s efforts to support strong families and communities in Indiana.

Under this order, Braun says agencies must provide detailed reports by July 1, 2025 (for tax policies) and July 1, 2026 (for benefit programs) with recommended changes that remove marriage penalties.