Adoptive parents pleasantly surprised by tax credit news

KANSAS CITY, Missouri - A recent Call For Action report on the refundable Adoption Tax Credit surprises many Kansas City families who have adopted in recent years.

CFA reported on how changes to adoption tax laws opened the door for a refundable tax credit to many families who have recently adopted at risk or special needs kids.

Adoption attorney Sandy Krigel said. "People are thrilled to say the least."

Krigel said his office has received hundreds of calls since our first report. Changes by Congress now allow families of low or moderate incomes who adopt special needs or foster children to receive more than $13,000 back from the federal government.

Now, some families who have adopted since 2003 realize they could be due a lot of money.

“We have some individuals who may be able to get up to $100,000. In some cases, maybe a little bit more,” Krigel said.

Darcy and Jeramie recently adopted three siblings out of foster care. They’re due to get back more than $30,000.

“It was totally shocking and amazing. It really opened up some doors for us,” Darcy said.

Krigel said the changes to the refundable Adoption Tax Credit is to motivate families to take in special needs children and move them out of a system funded by taxpayers.

"The incentive that the federal government has given to encourage people to adopt children… makes a lot of fiscal sense,” Krigel added.

Darcy and Jeramie plan to use their tax refund to help turn their basement into a family room.