So Kyler is 2 years old, his adoption has been finalized for a year now. But we still have a birth certificate that has his name given by his birth parents and no social security card. Let me clarify something real quick, Dave and I have never needed a piece of paper that declares we are his parents, to know that we are. We didn't even do a big celebration when his adoption was finalized because he was already ours. We were just happy that the state finally recognized it.
So what is the purpose of this post you ask. Well, this week, after several attempts with vital records, we found out paperwork was misplaced and so there is no paperwork for Kyler to receive a new birth certificate with his current name and us listed as the parents. Which is also the way we would obtain a new social security card for him. So while we are trying to get new paperwork to vital records for a new birth certificate (waiting time is 6 months) I thought I would beg and plead at the social security office to see if they could work with me. I brought my entire file with every original signature and anything and everything they could possible ask me for. The clerk was extremely helpful, but she could only do so much without his new birth certificate listing us as the parents. I was disappointed but I understood. However, I finally sat in the office and just cried when she said, " I am sorry but you are not his listed mother and she is the only one who has authorization." Usually, things like this don't upset me, I know she wasn't saying it to be hurtful. But today, this cut and it cut deep. After, two years of being the only mom his has ever known, our system still doesn't acknowledge me. I have a problem with that!!
When I left, I felt defeated. But I had to remember that just earlier that day my friend Debbie prayed for this very scenario and I have to remember that God controls all of this. Not me, not our system! I then had another friend Brittany who prayed with me as I was driving home. I have to thank these two women because they are both in the midst of chaos and yet the took the time to intercede on my behalf. It awesome to have friends like that.
So today is a new day! I have to choose whom I will serve. And I know that we serve a mighty God who is not defeated but knows every reason for each obstacle we face. I am thankful that these are not my problems to fix, but it is just up to me to trust that our God is in control!
Adoption Credit - relief!!!
So one of the first things I am asked when people hear we adopted two children is "is it expensive?". Well if I am being honest, if you adopt internationally or independently, it is. However, we spend more and other less valuable things!! Like I have said before, adoption is God's design and if it is His will, then He will provide the tools. Money is just how God has grown our faith throughout the process.
One of the ways God provided to tools for us to adopt was the Adoption Credit that is provided for our government. The laws changes constantly, but as of right now the credit just went up to approximately $13,000.00, but it is supposed to end this year. This credit really helped relieve some of the burden of state fees, lawyers, and additional adoption fees. Now the IRS doesn't just hand you over the money and say thank you for adopting. That would be too easy!!! In fact, we are still working on collecting the remaining credit due to us for Kyler's adoption. I will spare you the details of what has to be done to actually receive this credit.
The main reason I am writing this post is because I am so relieved today!!! This year, when we submitted the documentation and information requested to receive the remaining credit for Kyler's adoption, we were notified that we were being audited. We couldn't believe it!! I felt like a criminal. The IRS notified me that the audit could take up to a year and to stop calling them. In the meantime I had to resubmit all documentation for the audit department and copies of all cleared checks and an explanation for all the costs. Now, I know it doesn't sound that terrible, but it is not the easiest things to gather and send in, when we are talking about checks and paperwork from back in 08 and 09 all while trying to take care of Charlie's adoption paperwork and still take care of my kids. :)
Well, we filed our taxes the first week in February and finally today I called (like I always do) and to my surprise they told me that our case was closed and that it should only take another month or so to receive the credit! I was so happy I couldn't stop thanking the IRS representative!! I text Dave as soon as I heard. Finally, one less project to work on!!! I am just so thankful that we are almost 100% complete with Kyler's adoption and can retire the paperwork. Some of you may be asking, "I thought you were done with his adoption?". Well, we are, but I am still trying to get a new birth certificate for him and a social security number. But this battle I am ready for because I feel like one battle has been won. :)
So in all of this, God is teaching me patience. I am not a patient person and that is something God is really trying to drive home in me. But on a positive note, next year when we claim Charlie's adoption credit, at least I will be prepared for an audit. I have it ready to send in now!!
So today, was a good day!
One of the ways God provided to tools for us to adopt was the Adoption Credit that is provided for our government. The laws changes constantly, but as of right now the credit just went up to approximately $13,000.00, but it is supposed to end this year. This credit really helped relieve some of the burden of state fees, lawyers, and additional adoption fees. Now the IRS doesn't just hand you over the money and say thank you for adopting. That would be too easy!!! In fact, we are still working on collecting the remaining credit due to us for Kyler's adoption. I will spare you the details of what has to be done to actually receive this credit.
The main reason I am writing this post is because I am so relieved today!!! This year, when we submitted the documentation and information requested to receive the remaining credit for Kyler's adoption, we were notified that we were being audited. We couldn't believe it!! I felt like a criminal. The IRS notified me that the audit could take up to a year and to stop calling them. In the meantime I had to resubmit all documentation for the audit department and copies of all cleared checks and an explanation for all the costs. Now, I know it doesn't sound that terrible, but it is not the easiest things to gather and send in, when we are talking about checks and paperwork from back in 08 and 09 all while trying to take care of Charlie's adoption paperwork and still take care of my kids. :)
Well, we filed our taxes the first week in February and finally today I called (like I always do) and to my surprise they told me that our case was closed and that it should only take another month or so to receive the credit! I was so happy I couldn't stop thanking the IRS representative!! I text Dave as soon as I heard. Finally, one less project to work on!!! I am just so thankful that we are almost 100% complete with Kyler's adoption and can retire the paperwork. Some of you may be asking, "I thought you were done with his adoption?". Well, we are, but I am still trying to get a new birth certificate for him and a social security number. But this battle I am ready for because I feel like one battle has been won. :)
So in all of this, God is teaching me patience. I am not a patient person and that is something God is really trying to drive home in me. But on a positive note, next year when we claim Charlie's adoption credit, at least I will be prepared for an audit. I have it ready to send in now!!
So today, was a good day!
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