Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruled that same-sex couples, legally married in jurisdictions that recognize their marriages, will be treated as married for federal tax purposes. The ruling applies regardless of whether the couple lives in a jurisdiction that recognizes same-sex marriage or a jurisdiction that does not recognize same-sex marriage.

“Today’s historic announcement will provide thousands of legally married same-sex couples with critical protections they’ve been denied for years,” said Rebecca Isaacs, executive director of Equality Federation. “This ruling ensures that all legally married couples are given equal protection under the law—and treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The ruling comes two months after a Supreme Court decision struck down Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), the law which denied recognition under federal law to legally married same-sex couples. In the months since the Court’s ruling, the Obama Administration has been evaluating department policies and releasing guidelines for moving forward.

Today’s announcement from the Department of Treasury is perhaps the biggest yet. But it wasn’t the only news from the Administration today.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued a memo clarifying that all beneficiaries in private Medicare plans have access to equal coverage when it comes to care in a nursing home where their spouse lives.

“Secretary Lew, Secretary Sebelius, and the entire Obama Administration have shown unprecedented leadership in the wake of the Court’s decision—taking swift action to ensure that all legally married couples are granted security and certainty,” said Isaacs. “President Obama has proven once again his steadfast commitment to fairness, equality, and justice for all.”