DES MOINES — U.S. Representatives Zach Nunn (IA-03) and Don Davis (NC-01) today introduced legislation to incentivize families to adopt. The bipartisan Fight for Families Act would financially help low-and middle-income families, as well as retirees on fixed incomes, by offsetting costs associated with adoption.
“As a father of six, including two daughters my wife and I adopted, I’ve seen firsthand the complexity and shortcomings of the adoption process,” said Rep. Nunn. “Family is everything to Iowans, and I want to make sure that I’m doing everything in my power to help Iowans who are willing to open their home to disadvantaged children.”
One prohibitive factor that prevents many families from adopting a child is the high cost. Between agency fees, attorney fees, and other expenses, the average cost for a family to adopt is anywhere from $8,000 to $40,000. Currently, the $16,810 Federal Adoption Tax Credit only benefits high-income families with significant taxes owed. That makes adopting nearly impossible for many people, including a grandparent who is retired and on a fixed income who wants to adopt a grandchild, but is unable to claim the tax credit because they don’t make enough money for the tax write-off.
“We must fulfill our obligation to ensure equal access to adoption for families who have opened their hearts and homes to children in need. By leveling the playing field for low- and middle-income parents seeking to adopt kids with special needs, Congress can take one step towards doing just that,” said Rep. Davis.
The bipartisan Fight for Families Act would make the Federal Adoption Tax Credit fully refundable so families of varying incomes can offset adoption costs. This small change in the tax code could be life-changing for a child waiting to find their forever home.
Text of the bill can be found here.
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