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by Dawn Davenport
This book is for anyone thinking about any form of adoption because it has a great discussion and comparison of all forms of adoption. Although the book goes on to a thorough coverage of international adoption, The author is clear that all forms of adoption should be considered and there is no one type of adoption that is best for everyone.
The book covers everything a prospective parent needs to think about, but the author is nonjudgmental about many of the choices parent will have to make. With each choice she urges parents to be honest with themselves and to put the interest of the child first.
The first couple of chapters most helpful if you are just starting the adoption process: are you ready to move on to adoption, what type of adoption is best for us, how to choose a country, and how to choose an agency.
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You may be able to take a tax credit for qualifying expenses paid to adopt an eligible child (including a child with special needs). The adoption credit is an amount subtracted from your tax liability. For expenses paid prior to the year the adoption becomes final, the credit generally is allowed for the year following the year of payment. A taxpayer who paid qualifying expenses in the current year for an adoption which became final in the current year, may be eligible to claim the credit for the expenses on the current year return, in addition to credit for expenses paid in a prior year. The adoption credit is not available for any reimbursed expense. In addition to the credit, certain amounts paid by your employer for qualifying adoption expenses may be excludable from your gross income. For both the credit or the exclusion, qualifying expenses include reasonable and necessary adoption fees, court costs, attorney fees, traveling expenses (including amounts spent for meals and lodging while away from home), and other expenses directly related to and for which the principal purpose is the legal adoption of an eligible child. An eligible child must be under 18 years old, or be physically or mentally incapable of caring for himself or herself. The adoption credit or exclusion cannot be taken for a child who is not a United States citizen or resident unless the adoption becomes final. A taxpayer also may be eligible to take an increased credit or exclusion for expenses related to the adoption of a child with special needs if the child otherwise meets the definition of qualifying child, is a United States citizen or resident and a state determines that the child cannot or should not be returned to his or her parent's home and probably will not be adopted unless assistance is provided. The credit and exclusion for qualifying adoption expenses are each subject to a dollar limit and an income limit. Under the dollar limit the amount of your adoption credit or exclusion is limited to the dollar limit for that year for each effort to adopt an eligible child. If you can take both a credit and an exclusion, this dollar amount applies separately to each. For example, if we assume the dollar limit for the year is $10,000 and you paid $9,000 in qualifying adoption expenses for a final adoption, while your employer paid $4,000 of additional qualifying adoption expenses, you may be able to claim a credit of up to $9,000 and also exclude up to $4,000. The dollar limit for a particular year must be reduced by the amount of qualifying expenses taken into account in previous years for the same adoption effort. The income limit on the adoption credit or exclusion is based on your modified adjusted gross income (modified AGI). If your modified AGI is below the beginning phase out amount for the year, the income limit will not affect your credit or exclusion. If your modified AGI is more than the beginning phase out amount for the year, your credit or exclusion will be reduced. If your modified AGI is above the maximum phase out amount for the year, your credit or exclusion will be eliminated. Generally, if you are married, you must file a joint return to take the adoption credit or exclusion. If your filing status is married filing separately, you can take the credit or exclusion only if you meet special requirements.
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Index of Articles about Tax Adoption Deductions
What Other Authors say about Tax Adoption Deductions
What is Adoption?
by Jean Rennick
Deciding to adopt a child is one of the most important decisions you will make. Not surprisingly, it can be a very difficult decision to make. In considering adoption, you need to address a number of physical,... So you've met the person who you want to spend the rest of your life with. You get married, ride off into the sunset and live happily ever after. Right? Well perhaps "happily every after" is subjective... In the early hours of Dec 26th 2004 the Western world awoke to the unfolding horror that we came to know as the Asian Tsunami. Those of us still recovering from obscenely large amounts of food and drink... No matter where you are in the adoption process, whether you have just started your Home Study or have already connected with a Birthparent, choosing an attorney to help you through the process is one... Adoption is an ancient custom of taking on another's child as your own but has become increasingly popular for a variety of reasons - some people are unable to have children of their own. So decide to... |