Adoption Tax Credit

Discover the incredible opportunity provided by the federal adoption tax credit for 2024, amounting to $16,810. Unlike a mere deduction from your income, this tax credit offers a direct reduction of your total tax liability, translating to a significant $16,810 refund to support your adoption journey. What's more, this figure will gradually increase each year, adjusted to reflect the cost of living. The income eligibility thresholds will also adjust accordingly.

To maximize the advantages of this tax credit, we strongly advise consulting with a qualified tax professional. They will guide you through the process, ensuring you make the most of the available benefits tailored to your unique circumstances. The IRS also has some information on its website. Learn more at IRS by visiting: IRS ADOPTION TAX CREDIT or the North American Council on Adoptable Children at NACAC Tax Info

Is there anything new in claiming the Adoption Tax Credit?
To claim the adoption tax credit, complete and attach Form 8839 to your federal tax return. Refer to the Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses instructions and chart for additional information. When you file your paper tax return, you will need to attach the completed Form 8839 to your return and send it to the IRS.  

Can I claim the Adoption Tax Credit?

Generally, you may qualify for the adoption credit for each child adopted and paid qualified expenses relating to the adoption.  If you attempt to adopt a U.S. child, you may be able to claim the credit even if the adoption has not yet become final. If you adopt a U.S. child with special needs, you may qualify for the full amount of the adoption credit even if you paid few or no adoption-related expenses, if the adoption is final. A child is a U.S. child if he or she was a citizen or resident of the United States (including U.S. possessions) at the time the adoption attempt began.

What are qualified adoption expenses?

Qualified adoption expenses are reasonable and necessary adoption fees. They include: court costs, attorney fees, traveling expenses (including amounts spent for meals and lodging while away from home), and other expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child.  Qualified adoption expenses do not include expenses: for adopting your spouse’s child, for a surrogate parenting arrangement, that violate state or federal law, paid using funds received from a federal, state, or local program,  paid or reimbursed by your employer or any other organization, or  allowed as a credit or deduction on a federal tax return.  You cannot claim a credit for the same adoption expenses used to claim the income exclusion.  Expenses connected with a foreign adoption (where the child was not a U.S. citizen or resident at the time the adoption process began) qualify only if you actually adopt the child.

Who is an eligible child?

An eligible child is: a child under the age of 18, or an individual who is physically or mentally incapable of caring for him or herself.

What documents should I keep for my records?

You should keep the following documents: receipts for qualified adoption expenses, entry visas for foreign adoptions, final decree, certificate or order of adoption, home study by an authorized placement agency, child placement agreements or court orders, and determination of special needs status by a State or the District of Columbia.

What is the income exclusion for employer-provided adoption benefits?

You may be able to exclude from your income amounts paid to you or for you by your employer under a qualified adoption assistance program. You may qualify for the income exclusion if you adopted or attempted to adopt a child and the program paid or reimbursed you for qualified expenses relating to the adoption. Special rules apply for when to exclude the income for foreign adoptions.

State Tax Credits

Several states may pay non-recurring adoption expenses for internationally adopted children.  Contact your state adoption unit for more information.  For more info vist the North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) at: http://www.nacac.org/adoptionsubsidy/factsheets/internationaladoption.html

Adoption Home Studies of Colorado provides this as general information in good faith. We are not tax professionals and can not further comment about this benefit. Please speak with your tax consultant or the IRS to learn if you qualify and how to claim your credit if applicable.