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Simplifying Adoption with Tax Benefits: A 2025 Guide

Are you considering adoption as a path to expanding your family? The adoption tax credit offers significant financial support, alleviating some of the expenses associated with this life-changing journey. The 2025 tax year introduces improvements to this benefits program, making it more accessible and supportive. 

Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit: The purpose of the adoption tax credit is to mitigate the costs encountered by adoptive parents. For 2025, the credit is capped at $17,280 per eligible adoption. A notable update is that up to $5,000 of this credit is refundable, meaning that even if your tax liability is lower, you can recover some costs. 

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Key Definitions

  • Eligible Child: An eligible child is defined as anyone under 18 or an individual incapable of self-care due to physical or mental challenges.

  • Special Needs Child: Determined often by state or, starting 2025, Indian tribal governments, a special needs child is typically harder to place due to age, race, ethnic background, or medical needs. Adoptive families of special needs children can claim the full credit without matching incurred expenses.

  • Qualified Adoption Expenses: These include adoption fees, attorney fees, court costs, and travel expenses directly tied to the adoption process.

Financial Aspects to Consider

  • Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Credit: The refundable portion of the credit provides financial flexibility, and the non-refundable portion can be carried over for five years.

  • Income Limits: Credits begin phasing out for families with a modified adjustable gross income over $259,190, ending at $299,190.

Adoption Scenarios and Their Rules

  • Failed Domestic Adoptions: You can still claim the credit for failed attempts, acknowledging the costs involved.

  • International Adoptions: For adoptions from abroad, credit claims hinge on the finalization of the adoption, with expenses claimable in the year of finalization or payment.

Tax Benefits Beyond the Adoption Credit:

  1. Employer Adoption Assistance: Many employers provide adoption expenses reimbursement, which can be excluded from taxable income up to $17,280 in 2025.

  2. Child Tax Credit: Adoptive parents can claim up to $2,200 for children under 17 as dependents, reducing tax liabilities.

  3. Child and Dependent Care Credit: Qualifying daycare expenses for children under 13 enable additional credits.

  4. Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC): Adopted children qualify under EITC, which benefits low to moderate-income families.

  5. State Adoption Tax Credits: Various states offer additional credits or deductions. Check local regulations.

  6. Medical Expense Deductions: Medical costs surpassing 7.5% of AGI, including those for the child, can be deducted.

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Conclusion: The adoption tax credit’s updates for 2025 enhance its benefits, especially with its refundable portion. Understanding this credit, alongside other financial reliefs and guidelines, empowers adoptive families to strategically manage their finances, making adoption both a fulfilling and feasible endeavor.

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