The House approved, 415-1, a bill (H.R. 622) that would extend and increase tax credits for families who adopt children.
Sponsored by Rep. Jim DeMint (R-SC), H.R. 622 would double both the adoption tax credit and the amount that employers can provide in adoption assistance to $10,000 and make the credits permanent. The bill also would increase the permanent tax exemption for special needs children from $6,000 to $10,000. Families earning $150,000 or less would qualify for the full adoption credits.
“We have to reduce the financial burden that adoption can place on families so that couples can become families and more children can sleep peacefully under the roof of loving parents,” said Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH). “The Hope for Children Act will continue the hard work and dedication this Congress has devoted to adoption by reducing this huge financial barrier.”
Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) agreed, “Children’s voices often fail to be heard today in Washington, and I am pleased to stand in support with my colleagues of our Nation’s children.” She added, “This will help thousands of children waiting for a family that wants them, and it will help thousands of middle-class parents adopt them.”
Without action by Congress, the current $5,000 tax credit for non-special needs adoptions and the $5,000 exclusion for employer-provided adoption assistance would expire by the end of this year.
