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!