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Internal Revenue Code · 26 U.S.C.

§ 137. Adoption assistance programs

In force Text current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026) release point 119-121

Official text, no changes From the Office of the Law Revision Counsel, release point 119-121 (current through Public Law 119-121 (October 9, 2026)). Compare it with the official text at uscode.house.gov (external site).

Cite as 26 U.S.C. § 137

At a glance

Read from the text, the source credit and the official notes. Not part of the law.

Status
In force
Added
August 20, 1996 by Pub. L. 104–188
Last amended
March 11, 2021 by Pub. L. 117–2
Amendments
12 dated changes in the source credit
Length
6 subsections · 774 words · about 3 min to read
Defines
1 term
Cross-references
cites 9; cited by 10 Code sections and 2 other regulations
(a) Exclusion
(1) In general

Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for qualified adoption expenses in connection with the adoption of a child by an employee if such amounts are furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program.

(2) $10,000 exclusion for adoption of child with special needs regardless of expenses

In the case of an adoption of a child with special needs which becomes final during a taxable year, the qualified adoption expenses with respect to such adoption for such year shall be increased by an amount equal to the excess (if any) of $10,000 over the actual aggregate qualified adoption expenses with respect to such adoption during such taxable year and all prior taxable years.

(b) Limitations
(1) Dollar limitation

The aggregate of the amounts paid or expenses incurred which may be taken into account under subsection (a) for all taxable years with respect to the adoption of a child by the taxpayer shall not exceed $10,000.

(2) Income limitation The amount excludable from gross income under subsection (a) for any taxable year shall be reduced (but not below zero) by an amount which bears the same ratio to the amount so excludable (determined without regard to this paragraph but with regard to paragraph (1)) as—
(A) the amount (if any) by which the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income exceeds $150,000, bears to
(B) $40,000.
(3) Determination of adjusted gross income For purposes of paragraph (2), adjusted gross income shall be determined—
(A) without regard to this section and sections 85(c) 11 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma. 221, 911, 931, and 933, and
(B) after the application of sections 86, 135, 219, and 469.
(c) Adoption assistance program For purposes of this section, an adoption assistance program is a separate written plan of an employer for the exclusive benefit of such employer’s employees—
(1) under which the employer provides such employees with adoption assistance, and
(2) which meets requirements similar to the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), (5), and (6) of section 127(b).
An adoption reimbursement program operated under section 1052 of title 10, United States Code (relating to armed forces) or section 541 22 See References in Text note below. of title 14, United States Code (relating to members of the Coast Guard) shall be treated as an adoption assistance program for purposes of this section.
(d) Qualified adoption expenses

For purposes of this section, the term “qualified adoption expenses” has the meaning given such term by section 23(d) (determined without regard to reimbursements under this section).

(e) Certain rules to apply

Rules similar to the rules of subsections (e), (f), and (g) of section 23 shall apply for purposes of this section.

(f) Adjustments for inflation In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2002, each of the dollar amounts in subsection (a)(2) and paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to—
(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by
(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting “calendar year 2001” for “calendar year 2016” in subparagraph (A)(ii) thereof.
If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.

(Added Pub. L. 104–188, title I, § 1807(b), Aug. 20, 1996, 110 Stat. 1901; amended Pub. L. 105–34, title XVI, § 1601(h)(2)(C), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 1092; Pub. L. 105–277, div. J, title IV, § 4003(a)(2)(C), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–908; Pub. L. 107–16, title II, § 202(a)(2), (b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (d)(2), (e)(2), title IV, § 431(c)(1), June 7, 2001, 115 Stat. 47, 48, 68; Pub. L. 107–147, title IV, §§ 411(c)(2), 418(a)(2), Mar. 9, 2002, 116 Stat. 45, 57; Pub. L. 108–311, title IV, § 403(e), Oct. 4, 2004, 118 Stat. 1188; Pub. L. 108–357, title I, § 102(d)(1), Oct. 22, 2004, 118 Stat. 1428; Pub. L. 111–148, title X, § 10909(a)(2), (b)(2)(J), (c), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 1022, 1023; Pub. L. 111–312, title I, § 101(b)(1), Dec. 17, 2010, 124 Stat. 3298; Pub. L. 115–97, title I, §§ 11002(d)(1)(N), 13305(b)(1), Dec. 22, 2017, 131 Stat. 2060, 2126; Pub. L. 115–141, div. U, title IV, § 401(a)(40), Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 1186; Pub. L. 116–260, div. EE, title I, § 104(b)(2)(E), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 3041; Pub. L. 117–2, title IX, § 9042(b)(4), Mar. 11, 2021, 135 Stat. 122.)

Terms defined here

Where the text says “the term … means”. Select a term to jump to its definition.

Cross-references

Computed from the citations in the text of Title 26 and 26 CFR.

This section cites 9 other sections

Cited by 10 Code sections

Cited in 2 regulations not issued under it

Amendment history

From the source credit and the official notes, newest first.

  1. Amended by Pub. L. 117–2Parts changed in 2021: (b)(3)(A)
  2. Amended by Pub. L. 116–260Parts changed in 2020: (b)(3)(A)
  3. Amended by Pub. L. 115–141Parts changed in 2018: (c)
  4. Amended by Pub. L. 115–97Parts changed in 2017: (b)(3)(A) (f)(2)
  5. Amended by Pub. L. 111–312Parts changed in 2010: (a)(2) (b)(1) (d) (e) (f)
  6. Amended by Pub. L. 111–148
  7. Amended by Pub. L. 108–357Parts changed in 2004: (b)(1) (b)(3)(A)
  8. Amended by Pub. L. 108–311
  9. Amended by Pub. L. 107–147Parts changed in 2002: (a) (b)(1) (f)
  10. Amended by Pub. L. 107–16Parts changed in 2001: (a) (b)(1) (b)(2)(A) (b)(3)(A) (f)
  11. Amended by Pub. L. 105–277Parts changed in 1998: (b)(3)(A)
  12. Amended by Pub. L. 105–34Parts changed in 1997: (b)(1)
  13. Added by Pub. L. 104–188

Where it sits in the Code

  1. Subtitle A Income Taxes
  2. Chapter 1 NORMAL TAXES AND SURTAXES
  3. Subchapter B Computation of Taxable Income
  4. Part III ITEMS SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM GROSS INCOME

Nearby sections

Official notes

Show the Law Revision Counsel's notes (amendments, effective dates)

Inflation Adjusted Items for Certain Years

For inflation adjustment of certain items in this section, see Revenue Procedures listed in a table under section 1 of this title.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 541 of title 14, referred to in subsec. (c), was redesignated section 2903 of title 14 by Pub. L. 115–282, title I, § 117(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4230, and references to section 541 of title 14 deemed to refer to such redesignated section, see section 123(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–282, set out as a References to Sections of Title 14 as Redesignated by Pub. L. 115–282 note preceding section 101 of Title 14, Coast Guard.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 137 was renumbered section 140 of this title.

Amendments

2021—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 117–2 inserted “85(c)” before “221”.

2020—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 116–260 struck out “222,” after “sections 221,”.

2018—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 115–141 substituted “section 541” for “section 514” in concluding provisions.

2017—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 115–97, § 13305(b)(1), struck out “199,” before “221”.

Subsec. (f)(2). Pub. L. 115–97, § 11002(d)(1)(N), substituted “for ‘calendar year 2016’ in subparagraph (A)(ii)” for “for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B)”.

2010—Subsec. (a)(2). Pub. L. 111–148, § 10909(a)(2)(B), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 111–312, temporarily substituted “$13,170” for “$10,000” in heading and text. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 111–148, § 10909(a)(2)(A), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 111–312, temporarily substituted “$13,170” for “$10,000”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 111–148, § 10909(b)(2)(J)(i), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 111–312, temporarily substituted “section 36C(d)” for “section 23(d)”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 111–148, § 10909(b)(2)(J)(ii), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 111–312, temporarily substituted “section 36C” for “section 23”. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 111–148, § 10909(a)(2)(C), (c), as amended by Pub. L. 111–312, temporarily amended subsec. (f) generally. See Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment note below. Prior to amendment subsec. (f) read as follows: “Adjustments for inflation.—In the case of a taxable year beginning after December 31, 2002, each of the dollar amounts in subsection (a)(2) and paragraphs (1) and (2)(A) of subsection (b) shall be increased by an amount equal to—

“(1) such dollar amount, multiplied by

“(2) the cost-of-living adjustment determined under section 1(f)(3) for the calendar year in which the taxable year begins, determined by substituting ‘calendar year 2001’ for ‘calendar year 1992’ in subparagraph (B) thereof.

If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.”

2004—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 108–311 amended directory language of Pub. L. 107–147, § 411(c)(2)(B). See 2002 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 108–357 inserted “199,” before “221”.

2002—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–147, § 411(c)(2)(A), amended heading and text of subsec. (a) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for adoption expenses in connection with the adoption of a child by an employee if such amounts are furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program. The amount of the exclusion shall be—

“(1) in the case of an adoption of a child other than a child with special needs, the amount of the qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred by the taxpayer, and

“(2) in the case of an adoption of a child with special needs, $10,000.”

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 107–147, § 411(c)(2)(B), as amended by Pub. L. 108–311, substituted “subsection (a)” for “subsection (a)(1)”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–147, § 418(a)(2), inserted at end “If any amount as increased under the preceding sentence is not a multiple of $10, such amount shall be rounded to the nearest multiple of $10.”

2001—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 107–16, § 202(a)(2), reenacted heading without change and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: “Gross income of an employee does not include amounts paid or expenses incurred by the employer for qualified adoption expenses in connection with the adoption of a child by an employee if such amounts are furnished pursuant to an adoption assistance program.”

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 107–16, § 202(b)(1)(B), substituted “subsection (a)(1)” for “subsection (a)” and “$10,000” for “$5,000 ($6,000, in the case of a child with special needs)”.

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 107–16, § 202(b)(2)(B), substituted “$150,000” for “$75,000”.

Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 107–16, § 431(c)(1), inserted “222,” after “221,”.

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 107–16, § 202(d)(2), (e)(2), added subsec. (f) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (f). Text read as follows: “This section shall not apply to amounts paid or expenses incurred after December 31, 2001.”

1998—Subsec. (b)(3)(A). Pub. L. 105–277 inserted “221,” after “and sections”.

1997—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 105–34 substituted “of the amounts paid or expenses incurred which may be taken into account” for “amount excludable from gross income”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2021 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–2 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2019, see section 9042(c) of Pub. L. 117–2, set out as a note under section 74 of this title.

Effective Date of 2020 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 116–260 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2020, see section 104(c) of div. EE of Pub. L. 116–260, set out as a note under section 25A of this title.

Effective Date of 2017 Amendment

Amendment by section 11002(d)(1)(N) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, see section 11002(e) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Amendment by section 13305(b)(1) of Pub. L. 115–97 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2017, except as provided by transition rule, see section 13305(c) of Pub. L. 115–97, set out as a note under section 74 of this title.

Effective and Termination Dates of 2010 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–148 terminated applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2011, and section is amended to read as if such amendment had never been enacted, see section 10909(c) of Pub. L. 111–148, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 111–148 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2009, see section 10909(d) of Pub. L. 111–148, set out as a note under section 1 of this title.

Effective Date of 2004 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–357 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2004, see section 102(e) of Pub. L. 108–357, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Amendment by Pub. L. 108–311 effective as if included in the provisions of the Job Creation and Worker Assistance Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107–147, to which such amendment relates, see section 403(f) of Pub. L. 108–311, set out as a note under section 56 of this title.

Effective Date of 2002 Amendment

Amendment by section 411(c)(2) of Pub. L. 107–147 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2002, except that amendment by section 411(c)(2)(B) applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2001, see section 411(c)(3) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Amendment by section 418(a)(2) of Pub. L. 107–147 effective as if included in the provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001, Pub. L. 107–16, to which such amendment relates, see section 418(c) of Pub. L. 107–147, set out as a note under section 21 of this title.

Effective Date of 2001 Amendment

Amendment by section 202(b)(1)(B), (2)(B), (d)(2), (e)(2) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2001, see section 202(g)(1) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Amendment by section 202(a)(2) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2002, see section 202(g)(2) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Amendment by section 431(c)(1) of Pub. L. 107–16 applicable to payments made in taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 2001, see section 431(d) of Pub. L. 107–16, set out as a note under section 62 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–277 effective as if included in the provision of the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997, Pub. L. 105–34, to which such amendment relates, see section 4003(l) of Pub. L. 105–277, set out as a note under section 86 of this title.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 effective as if included in the provisions of the Small Business Job Protection Act of 1996, Pub. L. 104–188, to which it relates, see section 1601(j) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Effective Date

Section applicable to taxable years beginning after Dec. 31, 1996, see section 1807(e) of Pub. L. 104–188, set out as a note under section 23 of this title.

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.