What documentation do I need for the Adoption Credit?

Adoption Credit Documentation
If you are claiming the adoption credit you'll need the following documentation.

For domestic or foreign adoptions finalized in the United States:

• Adoption order or decree
  A final order or decree must include:
  • Signature of a representative of the court under seal
  • Names of the adoptive parent and child
  • Indication that the adoption has been finalized

For a foreign adoption governed by the Hague Convention and finalized in another country:

• Hague Adoption Certificate (Immigrating Child),
• IH-3 visa, or
• Foreign adoption decree, translated into English

For a foreign adoption from a country that is not party to the Hague Convention:

• A foreign adoption decree, translated into English, or
• An IR-2 or IR-3 visa

For in-process domestic adoptions:

• An adoption taxpayer identification number, obtained by the taxpayer for the child, included on the taxpayer's income tax return (instead of attaching a document)
• Home study completed by an authorized placement agency
• Placement agreement with an authorized placement agency
• Document signed by a hospital official authorizing the release of a newborn child from the hospital to the taxpayer for legal adoption
• A court document ordering or approving the placement of a child with the taxpayer for legal adoption, or
• An original affidavit or notarized statement signed under penalties of perjury from an adoption attorney, government official, or other person stating that the signor:
  • Placed or is placing a child with the taxpayer for legal adoption, or
  • Is facilitating the adoption process for the taxpayer in an official capacity, summarizing the facilitation

For special needs children:

• A copy of the state determination letter showing the child as special needs