Wisconsin Enacted $2,000 Stillbirth Tax Credit
Parents who experience a stillbirth can now claim a $2,000 refundable tax credit on their state income taxes.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Child Care
Wisconsin Act 241, known as the Stillbirth Recognition and Support Act, provides a $2,000 refundable tax credit to families following the loss of a baby from 20 weeks of pregnancy through delivery. This financial assistance applies to stillbirths occurring in 2026.
Why it matters
The law aims to alleviate the significant financial strain often caused by funeral, medical, and counseling expenses following a pregnancy loss. This measure acknowledges the practical burdens families face while navigating the aftermath of a stillbirth.
The credit is available for stillbirths occurring from 20 weeks of gestation through delivery. Families impacted by a loss in 2026 can claim the $2,000 refundable credit when filing their Wisconsin state income taxes.
The players
Wisconsin Legislature
The state body responsible for passing Wisconsin Act 241 to provide financial relief to families.
The details
The tax credit is accessed through the standard state income tax filing process. This legislation was made possible through the collaboration of state lawmakers and grassroots advocacy efforts led by parents who have experienced pregnancy loss.
Timeline
2026: Stillbirths occurring in this year qualify for the new tax credit.
Early 2027: Parents will be able to file state taxes to claim the $2,000 credit.
The Home Front
Wisconsin Act 241 represents a shift in state policy toward recognizing the household costs associated with pregnancy loss. This follows a broader trend of legislative efforts to provide targeted financial relief to families navigating unexpected life events.
If your family is affected by a stillbirth, consult with your tax professional during the 2026 tax year to ensure you have the proper documentation required to claim this credit. Keep copies of medical records confirming the pregnancy loss as part of your permanent household financial files.
The takeaway
This law provides necessary financial support for families managing the unexpected costs of a stillbirth. Ensure you retain all medical documentation regarding the loss to facilitate your tax filing in early 2027.
What happens next
Parents who experience a stillbirth during 2026 should keep documentation related to the loss and medical records to prepare for filing their state income taxes in early 2027.
Further reading
For more information on state resources for growing families, visit Child Care.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Door County Daily News.
