Adopted a Child? The IRS May Be Sending You a Refund, No Action Needed

What Changed, and Who Gets Money

If you claimed the adoption tax credit on a past tax return, the IRS may be sending you a refund right now. You do not have to do anything to get it.

On October 16, 2026, the IRS announced it has already begun issuing refunds to more than 50,000 taxpayers who benefited from the adoption tax credit carryforward. The agency expects to finish the process for most eligible families by the end of the year.

Here is the reason. The Treasury Department clarified how a new law, the Working Families Tax Cuts, affects the adoption credit. For tax year 2025 only, adoption credit carryforwards from prior years (2020 through 2024) can increase how much of your credit is refundable in 2025. This is subject to a $5,000 per qualifying child limit.

The Best Part: No Amended Return

Normally, getting money back from a tax change means filing an amended return. Not this time.

The IRS said it will adjust affected taxpayers' accounts on its own and issue any resulting refund. You should not need to file an amended return to receive the additional credit.

IRS CEO Frank J. Bisignano said the goal is to help families get what they are entitled to "as quickly and simply as possible" without the extra paperwork. Refunds and adjustments began in late September and will continue until complete.

Watch Your Mail for the IRS Notice

If your account is adjusted, the IRS will send you a notice, generally within 30 days of the change. The notice tells you the amount and whether it resulted in a refund or was applied toward another debt you owe.

When your notice arrives, read it carefully. Compare it with your 2025 tax return and keep it with your tax records. This is how you confirm the money is really yours and that the numbers match.

Most families who filed their 2025 return before April 15, 2026, will get any adjustment automatically. If you filed under an extension, or if your account has an identity theft flag, a freeze, a dependency conflict, or other issues, the IRS will review your case later in 2026 after the return is processed or the problem is resolved.

Spotting the Real IRS From a Scam

Any time the IRS sends out refunds, scammers follow. The IRS will not call, text, or email you out of the blue demanding payment or personal information to "release" a refund. A real notice comes by mail.

The official way to check your own account costs nothing. You can create a free IRS Individual Online Account to view your tax records, check refund status, and see your notices without calling or mailing the IRS.

OpenFinancial is not the IRS and not a bank. We cannot speed up your refund, and no one should charge you to get money the IRS already plans to send for free.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to file an amended return to get this refund?

No. The IRS said affected taxpayers generally do not need to take action. The agency will adjust your account and issue any refund, then send you a notice explaining the change.

How much could I get back?

The amount depends on your own return and carryforward. For 2025, the refundable credit increase is subject to a $5,000 per qualifying child limit. Your IRS notice will list your exact amount. We do not guess at figures.

Why have I not gotten mine yet?

Refunds started in late September 2026 and continue until complete. If you filed under an extension, or your account has an identity theft flag, freeze, or dependency conflict, the IRS will review your case later in 2026.

Is there a cost to check my refund?

No. Creating an IRS Individual Online Account and checking IRS.gov/AdoptionCredit are both free. Never pay a third party to receive money the IRS already plans to send you.