For an overview of the average adoption cost by type, see the categories below. Don’t forget that the cost of adoption will be offset by the federal adoption tax credit (unless your income exceeds federal limitations) so make sure to keep detailed records of your spending for adoption.
CHINA ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy
$1,000–$3,000
Documentation & Authentication
$1,000–$3,000
I-600 Visa Application
$700–$900
Postage/Telephone
$200–$500
Application Fee
$150–$600
Program Fee
$5,000- $10,000 [2]
Child’s Passport/Visa
$300-$400
Child’s medical exams
$100-$200
Gifts
$100-$200
Foreign Fees
$2,000
Orphanage Donation
$5,000
Post Placement Fees [1]
$300-$1,000
Airfare, Hotels, etc.
$5,000-$15,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit)
$20,000-$40,000
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT [3]
$13,190 per finalization
ETHIOPIA ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy
$1,000-$3,000
Documentation & Authentication
$1,000-$3,000
I-600 Visa Application
$700–$900
Postage/Telephone
$200-$500
Application Fee
$150-$600
Program Fee
$10,000–$15,000
Child’s Passport/Visa
$200-$500
Child’s medical exams
$300-$600
Gifts
$100-$200
Post Placement Fees[1]
$500-$2,000
Airfare, Hotels, etc.
$5,000-$10,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit)
$30,000-$40,000
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT [3]
$13,190 per finalization
INDEPENDENT DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy
$1,000–$2,000
Documentation & Authentication
$500-$1,000
Postage/Telephone
$200-$500
Post Placement Fees [1]
$400-$1,000
Attorney Fees
$5,000-$15,000
Advertising/Networking
$0-$5,000
Birth Family Counseling
$500-$2,500
Birthmother Expenses
$0-$6,000
Foster Care
$0-$1,000
Airfare, Hotels, Etc.
$0-$5,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit)
$20,000-$40,000
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT[3]
$13,190 per attempt
AGENCY DOMESTIC INFANT ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy
$1,000–$2,000
Documentation & Authentication
$800-$1,200
Postage/Telephone
$200-$500
Application Fee
$100-$600
Program Fee
$5,000–$15,000
Attorney Fees
$1,000-$6,000
Birth Family Counseling
$700-$2,500
Birthmother Expenses
$0-$5,000
Foster Care
$0-$1,000
Airfare, Hotels, Etc.
$0-$3,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit)
$20,000-$45,000
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT [3]
$13,190 per attempt
U.S. FOSTER ADOPTION COST BREAKDOWN
Homestudy
$0–$500
Attorney Fees
$0-$1,000
Airfare, Hotels, Etc.
$0-$2,000
AVERAGE COST (before tax credit)
$0-$3,500
MAXIMUM TAX CREDIT [3]
$13,190
All budgets
- [1] May be included in program fee or homestudy fee.
- [2] Costs of adopting a child from foster care may be eligible for reimbursement (up to $2,000) by the child’s state, depending on state regulations. Also, adoptions of U.S. children with special needs are eligible for the federal tax credit, regardless of actual expenses.
- [3] Subject to income limitations. Visit the IRS website for more info.
