4 Overlooked Tax Breaks for New Parents
Kids can score you valuable credits and deductions on your tax return.
Got a new bundle of joy in your household? Here are opportunities to cut your tax bill as you grow your family.
1. Dependency Exemption
Claiming your son or daughter as a dependent will shelter $4,050 of your income from tax in 2016 and 2017.
2. Child Tax Credit
A new baby also delivers a $1,000 child tax credit, and this is a gift that keeps on giving every year until your dependent child turns 17.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
3. Head of Household Filing Status
If you're single, having a child may allow you to file as a head of household rather than using the single filing status. That would give you a bigger standard deduction and more advantageous tax brackets.
4. Adoption Credit
The credit will reimburse you for up to $13,460 in expenses for a 2016 adoption.
Read more about ways parents can lower their tax bills.
Join over half a million readers using Kiplinger's insights to make smart financial decisions. Profit and prosper with our expert guidance on investing, taxes and retirement, and more. Delivered daily.