Adoption tax credit
A tax credit for adoption costs such as fees, court costs and travel, with a larger credit for adopting a child with special needs.
Apply on the official site ↗Goes to IRS.gov. Applying is free.
Who generally qualifies
Families who adopted a child or are in the process of adopting, under the income limits.
Exact income limits and rules are set by Internal Revenue Service and can change. Check the official site for current details.
How to apply
- Keep records of adoption costs.
- Claim the credit on Form 8839 with your tax return.
What to have ready
- Adoption records
- Receipts for adoption costs
Common questions
- Does it cost anything to apply?
- No. Applying through the official site is free. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to apply for you.
- Do I have to pay it back?
- No. A tax break lowers what you owe. You don't pay it back.
- Who decides if I qualify?
- Internal Revenue Service makes the final decision. This page explains the program in general terms only.
- Where can I find current income limits and amounts?
- Income limits, benefit amounts and deadlines change, so check IRS.gov for the latest details.
Link checked October 22, 2026. BenefitSearch is not affiliated with Internal Revenue Service.