AICPA Signals Support for Legislation Allowing Domestic Abuse Survivors to File Taxes as Single

Strategic Insights -

The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants has issued a statement in support of legislation that would allow domestic abuse survivors to file taxes as single, giving them autonomy over their tax filings and access to benefits without being financially tied to their abusive or absent spouse. The Survivor Assistance for Fear-free and Easy Tax Filing Act of 2025 (SAFE Act) would provide a critical filing option for survivors of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment, removing control that abusive or absent spouses may have over survivor spouses. The AICPA praises Senator John Fetterman for introducing the bill and encourages other members of Congress to join in supporting this legislation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Survivor Assistance for Fear-free and Easy Tax Filing Act of 2025 (SAFE Act) aims to provide a critical filing option for survivors of domestic abuse or spousal abandonment.
  • The bill allows survivors to file their taxes as if they were not married, giving them autonomy over their tax filings and access to tax benefits.
  • Current tax law requires married individuals to file taxes under one of two designations: married filing jointly or married filing separately, which can require contact with an abusive or absent spouse.
  • Daniel Hauffe, Senior Manager of Tax Policy & Advocacy for the AICPA, praises the legislation as a practical step toward tax equity and survivor protection.
  • The AICPA is encouraging other members of Congress to join in supporting the SAFE Act.
  • The bill would empower survivors to take back control when it comes to tax returns and tax benefits.
  • Many tax practitioners have clients who would benefit from this legislation and are restrained by current law in how to best help them.
  • The AICPA has a long history of serving the public interest since 1887 and has 397,000 members representing many areas of practice.

Statistics:

  • 397,000 members of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
  • 1887: The AICPA has a long history of serving the public interest
  • 2025: The SAFE Act is introduced by Senator John Fetterman (PA-D)

Sources:

  • The Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA)
  • American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
  • Senator John Fetterman (PA-D)
  • Uniform CPA Examination
  • Association of International Certified Professional Accountants
  • Wikipedia webpage for American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • AICPA-CIMA News Article - AICPA Signals Support for Legislation Allowing Domestic Abuse Survivors to File Taxes as Single - July 30, 2025.