Adoption Financial Resources
The costs related to adoption vary, but in most cases the amount of money necessary to pursue adoption is substantial. The cost related to adoption includes agency and legal fees, birthmother expenses, such as medical fees, and home study expenses. The good news is that there are a number of financial resources that may be utilized through your adoption process. The following is a list and brief description of financial resources that may be available to.
Employee Benefits:
It is common for employers today to provide some type of adoption reimbursement as related expenses. Reimbursement benefits usually range from $2,000 to $10,000 for direct adoption expenses. The policies may vary on what qualifies for a direct adoption expense. If you not sure if your company offers adoption benefits, make sure you check with your human resources department. It is possible that your inquiry may lead to the company investigating and potentially adding that benefit if they do not already have it.
Federal Tax Credit:
The federal tax credit for adoption (S.148 & H.R. 622) was included in the Tax Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 1836) and passed on May 26, 2001. This law signed by President Bush includes the following benefits:
- The tax credit was made permanent
- Increased the amount of credit from $5,000 to $10,000
- Income limitations were adjusted allowing incomes under $164,410 to receive full credit and adjusted credits made available to those with incomes between $164,410 and $204,410. No credit is available to those with incomes over $204, 410.
- The maximum amount of credit will be adjusted to match inflation
- Eliminated the need for families who adopt special needs children to show expenses
For additional information contact the Internal Revenue Service at or call 1-800-829-3676 and request information on the Adoption Tax Credit and Tax Exclusion from publication 968.
State Tax Credit:
Contact your state adoption specialist to inquire whether or not your state provides a tax credit if a child is adopted from a public adoption agency.
Military Benefits:
In most cases the U.S. military will reimburse up to $2,000 per child for related one-time adoption costs. This reimbursement is for active-duty personnel' and the reimbursement is available whether the couple is adopting from within the U.S. or internationally. The adoption must take place through a state adoption agency or a private non-profit agency. The $2,000 reimbursement will be made once the adoption is finalized.
Dependency Exemption:
Although this is not an adoption specific benefit, adoptive parents qualify for taking the same dependency exemption on their income taxes as other parents. They are qualified for the dependency exemption even if the adoption has not yet been finalized.
Adoption Loans:
Adoptive parents can pursue loans for adoption expenses through some life insurance policies, banks, and credit unions. Some couples, who use loans for their adoption, pay them off with tax credit monies or with employer reimbursement monies after the adoption is finalized.
Private Grants:
There may be a private grant opportunity when pursuing adoption. The grant monies may be available for families that are socio-economically challenged or to encourage families to adopt special needs children. Contact the National Adoption Foundation at (203) 791-3811 for more information.
