S.1599: Foster Care Tax Credit Act

The Foster Care Tax Credit Act (S.1599), would establish a refundable tax credit of up to $850 per child for families who take care of foster children for a minimum of one month. Under current federal law, families that take in foster children for less than six months are not eligible for the Child Tax Credit. This legislation would ensure that families that take in foster children for shorter periods receive comparable financial assistance through the tax code. Unlike previous versions of the FCTC, this tax credit would be fully refundable and would only be eligible for individuals with an adjusted gross income of less than $150,000 ($250,000 for married couples). The legislation also directs the Department of Health and Human Services to increase outreach and education to foster care agencies and foster families about available tax benefits.