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.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-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.
-
-
Are You Overlooking Your Most Valuable Retirement Asset?
Selling your home and relocating could become a bigger part of the retirement conversation, given how real estate markets have boomed over the last decade.
By Julie Virta, CFP®, CFA, CTFA • Published
-
Insuring Your Plan for Retirement Income
‘Longevity insurance’ ensures you don’t run out of money in retirement. How to figure out how much you need, the types of annuities to use and when the income should kick in are tricky questions, though.
By Jerry Golden, Investment Adviser Representative • Published
-
Republican Tax Package Expected After Debt Ceiling Deal
With a debt ceiling agreement in place, Republicans could soon propose a bill to address some key tax changes.
By Kelley R. Taylor • Last updated
-
Minnesota Rebate Checks and Child Tax Credit in 2023
Minnesota rebate checks and a new state child tax credit are coming in 2023. Here's everything you should know.
By Katelyn Washington • Published
-
Record-High HSA Limit Coming for 2024
The IRS says health savings account contribution amounts are going way up — almost 7% more — for 2024.
By Kelley R. Taylor • Published
-
States Where You’ll Pay Less Income Tax in 2023
Many states have lowered personal income tax rates for this year. Do you live in one?
By Kelley R. Taylor • Published
-
Having a Baby Could Soon Cost Less in These States
Having a baby is expensive, but these states are trying to make it less costly by eliminating the tax on diapers.
By Katelyn Washington • Published
-
Controversial Capital Gains Tax Upheld in Washington
The state’s historic long term capital gains tax is projected to bring in $1 billion over the next two years.
By Kelley R. Taylor • Last updated
-
Federal Electric Bike Tax Credit Would Offer up to $1,500
Lawmakers have proposed a bigger version of an e-bike bill that would provide a tax credit of up to $1,500 on some new electric bikes.
By Kelley R. Taylor • Published
-
Biden Wants a Higher Child Tax Credit and So Do Some Republicans
President Biden wants to revive the higher child tax credit and monthly advance payments, while some Republican senators have their own ideas for the popular tax break.
By Joy Taylor • Published