HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut demanded March 25 that H&R Block change its online tax preparation system to allow same-sex couples in civil unions to file their taxes.

The ACLU is representing a Hartford couple that tried to file their state taxes by using the company’s online system in January, only to be told that the tax preparer’s system couldn’t accommodate civil unions. A message said H&R Block doesn’t “support Connecticut civil unions,” referring to the computer program, and advised the couple to visit an H&R Block office or contact a professional by phone.

But ACLU said that is discriminatory because it would be more time-consuming and cost the couple about $155 more to file their taxes.

“We’re saving for a house and hoping to start a family, so every penny counts right now,” said Jason Smith of Hartford, who has been with his partner Settimio Pisu for six years.

Messages were left seeking comment with an H&R Block representative.

Since 2005, about 1,846 couples have received civil union licenses in Connecticut, according to the state’s Department of Public Health.

Under Connecticut law, gay and lesbian couples can enter into civil unions, which grant the same state rights and privileges as marriage. In a letter to H&R Block, ACLU attorney Rebecca Shore said the company’s failure to support online filing for taxpayers in civil unions and the imposition of a higher fee “constitute clear discrimination” based on Connecticut’s civil union statute.

Shore said it appears that married same-sex couples in neighboring Massachusetts can use the online tax filing program.

ACLU is demanding that H&R Block immediately provide free, online support for self-filing of state tax returns by taxpayers in civil unions. Also, the organization wants H&R Block to reimburse all customers in civil unions who’ve already paid the extra charges imposed on them for filing their state tax returns.

Since the federal government does not recognize civil unions, the couples are not filing joint federal returns. Besides Connecticut, Vermont, California, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maine, Washington and Oregon have laws allowing either civil unions or domestic partnerships. Hawaii extends some rights to same-sex couples and cohabiting heterosexual couples.

Gay rights advocates testified before the Connecticut legislature earlier this month that civil unions are misunderstood by the general public and argue that it makes more sense to allow the couples to marry.