Foster parents provide a vital service by caring for children in need, but when tax season rolls around, many have questions about how foster care payments and foster children affect their taxes. This guide will answer questions you may have about tax treatment for foster care income, tax benefits, and whether foster parents can claim foster children as dependents. 

Are Foster Care Payments Taxable?

One of the most common questions foster parents ask is, “Are foster care payments taxable?” 

The answer is generally no. Foster care payments, including stipends for daily care and additional funds for a child’s specific needs, are not considered taxable income. These payments are provided to help cover the costs associated with caring for the child and typically do not need to be reported as income on your federal tax return. 

However, there are a few exceptions: 

• If you are receiving reimbursement beyond the usual foster care payments, such as for providing extra services not related to basic foster care, this extra income may be taxable. 
• If you provide care for someone who is not officially placed in your home through a government agency or nonprofit, those payments could be taxable. 

Always keep thorough records and consult a tax professional if you have questions specific to your situation. 

Do Foster Parents Claim Foster Children on Taxes? 

Many foster parents wonder whether they can claim a foster child as a dependent on their tax return. The short answer is: Yes, in certain cases. 

To claim a foster child as a dependent, the following conditions must be met: 

• The child has lived with you for more than six months out of the year. 
• You have provided at least half of the child’s financial support. 
• The child is placed with you by a government agency or a qualified nonprofit. 
• The child does not file a joint return with anyone else. 

If these conditions apply, you may be eligible to claim the child as a dependent on your taxes, which can provide additional benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit or the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

Can Foster Parents Claim the Child Tax Credit? 

Yes, foster parents can claim the Child Tax Credit for a foster child, as long as the child meets the eligibility criteria mentioned above. For the 2023 tax year, the Child Tax Credit can be worth up to $2,000 per qualifying child, depending on your income level and the child’s age. 

However, be sure to check with a tax advisor or consult IRS guidelines each year, as the tax laws around credits like the Child Tax Credit can change. 

Do You Have to Claim Foster Care Income on Taxes? 

As mentioned earlier, in most cases, foster care income is not taxable. But you might be wondering, “Do I need to report my foster care payments on my tax return?” 

• If the payments are for basic care provided to a child in your home, placed through an authorized agency, you do not need to claim these payments as income. 
• If you’re involved in specialized care, or if any payments fall outside the scope of basic foster care, you might need to report this income. 

Is Foster Care Income Considered Taxable? 

Generally, foster care payments are considered reimbursements and not taxable income. However, it’s important to distinguish between what counts as reimbursement and other types of payments: 

• Foster care stipends (for regular expenses like food, housing, and clothing) are not taxable. 
• Payments for special services (such as extra medical care) may need to be reported if they go beyond regular reimbursements. 

When in doubt, keep clear records of all foster care-related payments and check with a tax professional. 

Tax Benefits for Foster Parents 

Foster parents may also qualify for various tax breaks and benefits. These can help offset the costs of caring for foster children. Here are some of the key ones: 

• Foster Care Tax Breaks: If you qualify to claim a foster child as a dependent, you may be eligible for significant tax credits, including the Child Tax Credit and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 
• Fostering and Taxes: Some states offer state-specific tax breaks for foster parents, so be sure to check if your state provides any additional tax benefits for fostering. 

• Taxation of Foster Carers: In most cases, there is no taxation on the payments foster parents receive. However, if you’re receiving payments beyond the typical foster care reimbursement, consult with a tax expert to determine what you need to report. 

Key Takeaways for Foster Parents During Tax Season 

Here’s a quick recap of what foster parents should keep in mind when it comes to taxes: 

• Do foster parents claim foster children on taxes? Yes, as long as the child has lived with you for more than half the year and you meet the other eligibility criteria. 
• Are foster care payments taxable? In most cases, no. Foster care payments are considered reimbursements for child-related expenses. 
• Can foster parents claim the Child Tax Credit? Yes, foster parents may be eligible for the Child Tax Credit if they meet the IRS guidelines. 
• Do you need to report foster care income? Typically, no—unless you’re receiving extra payments beyond the standard foster care reimbursements. 

If you have any specific questions or unique circumstances, it’s always best to consult with a tax advisor. Foster care is a complex but rewarding journey, and understanding the financial aspects—including taxes—can help ease the process. 

Every Child Oregon is here to help guide you through the process of becoming a foster home. To get started, please connect with us and we’ll reach out with next steps!