Jackson Attends Signing Ceremony for Indiana Adoption Tax Credit

2
May

indiana adoption tax creditLast evening, many of us at MLJ Adoptions were privileged to witness the ceremonial bill signing of Indiana House Enrolled Act 1222 (HEA 1222) by Indiana Governor Mike Pence. MLJ Adoptions’ CEO, Michele Jackson, was honored and thankful to be asked, along with adoptive families and other individuals who advocate for children in need of families through their work, to be present for the ceremonial bill signing.

HEA 1222 establishes an adoption tax credit in Indiana and an interim committee on adoption that will examine ways to remove barriers to adoption. Beginning taxable year 2015, for families eligible to claim the federal adoption tax credit, the bill creates a nonrefundable tax credit of $1,000 per eligible child or the amount of the credit allowable per the federal adoption tax credit for each eligible child on an individual’s federal return multiplied by ten percent, whichever amount is lesser.

Additionally, the bill establishes a legislative adoption study committee; the committee will examine effective adoption programs in other states and study the legal and regulatory costs associated with foster care and private adoption in Indiana. By November of this year, based upon its findings, the committee will make recommendations concerning improving adoption programs in Indiana and report its findings and recommendations to Governor Pence and the Indiana Department of Child Services.

In last evening’s remarks, Governor Pence one again shared his vision for Indiana: for Indiana to become the most “pro-adoption state in the nation.” We so appreciate that Indiana Governor Mike Pence is a true advocate for both children in need of families and adoptive families and is committed to remaining so during his tenure in office. We are excited about the potential of HEA 1222 and are eager to see continued improvement to adoption programs in Indiana.

Liane Steffes, JD is an adoption attorney and serves as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief of Staff. Ms. Steffes earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2013. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve children in need of loving, permanent, and secure families.

Liane Steffes, JD is an adoption attorney and serves as MLJ Adoptions’ Chief of Staff. Ms. Steffes earned her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law and was admitted to the Indiana Bar in 2013. She is thankful for the opportunity to serve children in need of loving, permanent, and secure families.