$6,700 refund checks coming: Thousands of Americans could qualify — are you eligible?

IRS tax refunds parents guide: As the 2026 tax season races toward its April 15 deadline, many parents across the country have a reason to get excited: extra money could be coming back on their tax refunds.

Largest Tax Refund Season Ever: What the OBBBA Means for Families

US president Donald Trump has called this “the largest tax refund season ever,” following new tax credits and deductions introduced through last summer’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). For parents who qualify, the law could mean thousands of dollars in refunds, providing a welcome financial boost.

Adoption Tax Credit Explained: Who Qualifies and What Expenses Are Covered

The key to these refunds lies in two major credits: the Adoption Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit (CTC). When combined, some families could receive up to $6,700 back this year, as per The Mirror report.


The Adoption Tax Credit is particularly helpful for parents who have taken on the costs of adopting a child whether domestically, internationally, through foster care, or via private adoption.

Eligible expenses include adoption fees, attorney costs, court fees, travel expenses, and other costs directly related to the legal adoption process. The OBBBA allows a portion of this credit to be refundable, with families able to claim up to $5,000 back.

Refundable Credits: How the ACTC and Adoption Credit Add Up to $6,700

Meanwhile, the Child Tax Credit offers additional support for families with qualifying children. The refundable portion, known as the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), allows parents to receive up to $1,700 per child, depending on income. The OBBBA increased the CTC to $2,200 per child and indexed it to inflation, making this credit even more valuable to eligible families, as per The Mirror report.

Income Limits for Adoption and Child Tax Credits You Need to Know

Income limits are important to keep in mind. For the Adoption Tax Credit, families with a modified adjusted gross income of $259,190 or less in 2025 are eligible for the full credit. The credit gradually phases out for incomes between $259,191 and $299,189, and is unavailable to those earning $299,190 or more. For the ACTC, individuals must have an income of at least $2,500 to qualify for the refundable portion.

Adoption Statistics 2024: How Many Families Could Benefit

According to the National Council for Adoption, in fiscal year 2024, 46,935 children were adopted from foster care, and 1,172 children were adopted from other countries. This means that a significant number of parents may be eligible for these credits this year.

FAQs

Who can claim the Adoption Tax Credit?
Parents who adopted children domestically, internationally, through foster care, or private adoption.

What expenses are covered by the Adoption Tax Credit?
Adoption fees, attorney costs, court fees, travel, and other legal adoption-related expenses.