Tax season is in full swing, and Tuesday, April 15, 2025 is the deadline for filing your 2024 federal taxes. The good news is that, in most cases, you can prepare your taxes yourself. These tips are a quick overview of what you need to know to file and maximize your claim to the Adoption Tax Credit if you have adopted recently.

Ten Things to Know:

  1. You must have proof of payment (not just receipts) for all qualified adoption expenses.
  2. If you don’t use the full credit in the first year, you can carry it over for up to five (5) years.
  3. No international adoption qualifies as a Special Needs Adoption when claiming this credit.
  4. Step-parent adoption (adoption of a married spouse’s child) does not qualify for this tax credit.
  5. Embryo adoption (also known as embryo donation) does not qualify for the Adoption Tax Credit.
  6. This credit cannot be used to offset self-employment taxes.
  7. Make a copy of all foreign documents you use when filing. Originals may fade over time.
  8. Keep all the documentation you use for filing for the credit for seven (7) years.
  9. Change your child’s name on the social security card to match the name on the adoption decree.
  10. If you use a tax professional to prepare your taxes, look for an enrolled agent with experience filing the Adoption Tax Credit.

You will find many other helpful resources and support at the CreatingaFamily.org Adoption Tax Credit resource page.

We recommend that you follow the advocacy work of Families Rising (formerly NACAC) and National Council for Adoption to get alerts on legislative changes, such as returning this credit to refundability.

Image Credits: Tara Winstead; cottonbro studio