Adoption Financial Resources
With proper financial planning, adoption can be an affordable option for many families. Whether you're interested in adoption grants or loans, the list below includes some of the resources available to prospective adoptive parents. We encourage you to contact your adoption agency or adoption attorney for more information on financial resources that may be available in your area. If you have not yet met with an adoption professional, start by using NCFA's member directory.
IRS Tax Benefits
The adoption tax credit helps make adoption more affordable for families.
- For adoptions finalized in 2025 (tax returns claimed in 2026), the maximum amount a family can receive as credit is $17,280 per adopted child.
- For adoptions finalized in 2024 (tax returns claimed in 2025), the maximum amount a family can receive as credit is $16,810 per adopted child.
- For adoptions finalized in 2023 (tax returns claimed in 2024), the maximum amount a family can receive as credit is $15,950 per adopted child.
As of July 2025, the Adoption Tax Credit is partially refundable and can be claimed for the 2025 tax year. Those finalizing an adoption in 2025, whose federal tax liability is less than the full adoption tax credit ($17,280), can receive up to an additional $5,000 now that the credit is partially refundable.
Find out more about the Adoption Tax Credit by visiting the IRS Adoption Credit website, reading our FAQs article, or checking out Adoption Advocate No. 152, "Understanding the Adoption Tax Credit".
State Tax Benefits
Many states offer state-level adoption tax credits, some are refundable and some are non-refundable.
Adoption Subsidies
Adoption subsidies are an underutilized and often misunderstood resource for those who qualify for adoption assistance. These benefits are available to most children adopted in the U.S. from foster care and children with special needs adopted privately. In most cases, the benefits are available until the child reaches adulthood. Learn more on our Adoption Assistance and Subsidies Page.
Employee Benefits Program
Many companies and organizations offer benefits such as leave or financial assistance to their employees who are adopting. Your employee benefits office will be able to tell you if your company participates. You can also search The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces List or their list of Adoption Advocates Workplaces which are organizations that offer financial reimbursement, paid leave or both, but did not make the 100 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces list.
Adoption Benefits for Military Personnel
Military service members who adopt a child under 18 years of age may be reimbursed qualified adoption expenses up to $2000 per adoptive child (up to a total of $5000 if more than one child is adopted) per calendar year. Read more about adoption benefits for military personnel on the Military Family Association website.
Financial Resource Partners
NCFA's Financial Resource Partners support adoption through financial services, resources, or funding, sharing our mission to strengthen children and families. These banks, grant-makers, fundraising platforms, and similar organizations play a key role in helping families afford adoption and create permanent homes for children.
For more information about our partners, visit our Financial Resource Partners page.
