*QL-ED*: Domestic partner pension benefits

[MamaUkrg@aol.com]

I work for a Fortune 200 company in a conservative industry.  One thing I
would like to start approaching them on is adding same sex domestic partners
to health and pension benefits (maybe stock options, too, I get those).  I
have been with the company for 24 years.  I am sure our plans are under ERISA
and get the most favorable tax status possible, both for the employee and the
company.  Now I know that if I am successful these benefits would become
taxable  income for me (I am not yet ready to tackle the US Congress --
although is that a statute or a regulation of the IRS?).  But what about for
the company?  If somehow they add domestic partner benefits, does it somehow
affect the company's favorable tax status or ERISA status?  Any comments?

Kathy from Iowa



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