A new bill introduced in the legislature aims to provide greater financial relief for adoptive families by increasing the income tax subtraction for adoption-related expenses. This proposed measure is designed to make adoption more affordable and accessible, easing the financial burden for families who want to provide a loving home to children in need.

Enhancing Financial Support for Adoption

Under the current law, adoptive families are eligible for a federal adoption tax credit that helps offset qualified adoption expenses. However, state-level tax benefits vary significantly. The proposed bill would increase the income tax subtraction for adoption-related expenses, including agency fees, court costs, and other necessary expenditures.

Proponents of the bill argue that adoption often incurs significant costs, which can deter families from pursuing this life-changing process. By expanding the tax benefits, lawmakers hope to remove some of these financial barriers and encourage more families to consider adoption.

“This bill is about giving children the chance to grow up in a stable, loving home,” said one of the bill’s sponsors. “By providing additional financial relief, we’re helping families and creating better outcomes for children.”

Who Would Benefit?

If passed, the bill would benefit both individuals and couples adopting domestically or internationally. The enhanced tax subtraction would apply to qualified expenses, such as:

• Adoption agency fees
• Travel costs associated with adoption
• Court and legal fees

Adoptive parents would see the benefits reflected in their state income tax returns, reducing their overall financial burden.

Addressing Adoption Costs

According to the National Council for Adoption, the cost of a domestic adoption can range from $20,000 to $50,000. These expenses include not only legal and agency fees but also travel and other incidentals. For international adoptions, the costs can climb even higher, making financial support essential.

Advocacy groups have praised the proposed bill as a step in the right direction. Many have called for broader legislative efforts to make adoption more affordable, noting that financial concerns are one of the primary reasons families hesitate to adopt.

Advocates Push for Bipartisan Support

Adoption advocates are urging lawmakers to back the bill, emphasizing its potential to change lives. With bipartisan support, the legislation is expected to have a strong chance of passing.

“We need to prioritize children’s welfare by ensuring families have the resources they need to provide safe, loving homes,” said a representative from a leading adoption agency. “This bill aligns with those values and supports families at a critical stage in their journey.”

Next Steps

The bill is currently under review in the state legislature, with hearings planned in the coming weeks. Supporters are calling on constituents to contact their representatives to advocate for the measure.

For more information about the proposed legislation and how it could impact adoptive families, visit National Council for Adoption.

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