Raising kids is expensive. And if you're trying to adopt, it can cost you even more.
But there is tax help available. Parents can claim a tax credit that covers some adoption expenses. For 2011 returns, the credit could be as much as $13,360.
And for the 2011 tax year, a provision in the health care reform act makes the adoption tax credit refundable. That means if you don't owe the Internal Revenue Service anything when you file, the credit will be returned to you as a refund.