Updates to the Adoption Tax Credit

Updated 2025 eligibility limits and 2026 refund checks

You may be able to offset some of your costs of adoption by claiming an income tax Adoption Tax Credit.

Qualified adoption expenses are limited to $17,280 for 2025 and $17,670 per qualify child in 2026. The credit is calculated per child, so families who adopt more than one child can claim the credit for each adoption.

Beginning in tax year 2025, a portion of the Adoption Credit is refundable up to $5,000. In 2026 the refundable credit is $5,120.

This IRS Adoption Credit webpage provides guidance to determine:

• Who’s eligible

• Qualified expenses

• Exclude expenses from income

• Rules for children with special needs

• When to claim the credit

Adoption Credit Checklist

Welcome to Adopt International

If you found this article useful, you might also find this useful: Adoption Tax Credit 2025, Adoption Tax Credit FAQs, What is open adoption?

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• If you are a family who is considering adopting a child, learn more here.