Affording Adoption
Proposed Increase in Federal Adoption Tax Credit
by Kris Burow, International Caseworker and Consultant
For many children and families, the federal adoption tax credit of $10,000 has made their adoption dream possible. According to Senator Debbie Stabenow’s office, there is currently a proposal to increase the federal adoption tax credit to $15,000 and raise the income level at which the phase out begins. Acceptance of this legislative bill will make a significant difference to many families who have considered adopting. Adoption Associates, Inc. is encouraging families—those who are waiting to bring their children home and those who are already home—to contact their representative in Congress to let them know of their support for this tax credit increase.
The proposed bill is H.R. 1561. In May, 2006, the bill was referred to the House of Representatives’ subcommittee on education reform. A related bill for the tax credit increase is H.R. 4866, which makes the needed changes to the internal revenue code. When contacting your congressperson, you can mention both bills or just H.R. 1561.
To find out who your congressperson is, go to http://www.congress.org. You will need to enter your zip code in the “write your officials” box along the left side of the page.
For tips on contacting your congressperson, go to: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/issues/basics/?style=comm.
To learn more about the proposed bill for the increased tax credit, you may go to: http://thomas.loc.gov or http://www.congress.org/congressorg/bill.xc?billnum=H.R.1561&congress=109.
Some families have asked if they should encourage their family and friends to contact their congressperson and the answer is YES! We encourage as many people as possible to write to their congressperson in support of this credit increase. There are thousands of children throughout the world waiting for that special person to say, “I am here to take you home to your new family.”
