Military credit for adoption?!

I would try to get the paperwork at the "sponsor's" personnel office, maybe make a phone call first so you aren't running around. We haven't done it yet, but that is where our social worker said they handled it. Do you know whether the $10,000 tax credit is similar to an earned income credit (ie similar to a payment) or is it just a deduction off of annual income? Best of Luck! Michelle

After your adoption is complete, submit the appropriate forms, and backup. (my DH did this part so I don't know all the details) The military will reiumburse up to $2,000 PER ADOPTION not to exceed $5,000 in any given year. Have your DH (or you if you are active duty call "the appropriate" person - I'd start with either, morale, or legal) I'll ask DH tonight The $10,000 is a credit - I'm not familiar with earned income, but the credit reduces your tax liability, not your income (as a deduction does).

We received the $2000.00 in 2003 so when we got his W-2 it stated in box 12-employee adoption asst. program. When we did our tax though TurboTax a couple of days ago it said we would only beable to use the credit of $8000.00 due to the fact of the $2000.00

This is from JACGNet Army - the website for Army JAGS. Many military families adopt. Some who do may qualify for reimbursement of some adoption expenses. You may find these questions and answers on Adoption Expense Reimbursement helpful in deciding whether you qualify. I am about to adopt a child. Can I be reimbursed for any of the adoption fees I pay? Maybe. Department of Defense Instruction 1341.9, "Department of Defense (DoD) Adoption Reimbursement Policy", allows active duty military members to be reimbursed up to $2,000 per child for qualifying adoption expenses in a calendar year. (Maximum reimbursement to one soldier is $5,000 in any calendar year.) The adoption must be finalized before payment will be made. How do I request reimbursement? Submit a Reimbursement Request for Adoption Expenses (DD Form 2675, August 1993). You can find the 3-page DD 2675 (Adobe .PDF format) at the Army Publication electronic forms on the Internet. Your servicing unit personnel office is also a good place to obtain the reimbursement claim form. That office usually maintains DD Forms 2675, will assist you assemble the necessary adoption expense receipts, and will guide you to complete the reimbursement application. When this is completed, the Personnel Activity will mail the application by certified mail to: Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Cleveland Center (Code FMA), 1240 East Ninth Street, Cleveland, OH 44199-2055. Be sure you include proof of what you paid (for example, receipts marked 'PAID,' canceled checks). Soldiers must submit claims for reimbursement no later than one year following the date on which the adoption is finalized. Complete a separate reimbursement request for each child whose adoption has been finalized. What adoptions qualify for reimbursement? You can receive reimbursement for adopting a child under 18, foreign adoptions, and adoptions of children with special needs when these adoptions are arranged by a qualified adoption agency. A qualified adoption agency is a state or local government agency that has responsibility under state or local law for child placement through adoption, or a nonprofit, voluntary adoption agency authorized under state or local law to place children for adoption. Adoption of a stepchild already living in the home does not qualify for reimbursement. What are authorized reimbursable expenses? Reasonable and necessary expenses include: (1) Public and private agency fees, including adoptive fees charged by an agency in a foreign country. (2) Placement fees, including fees charged adoptive parents for counseling. (3) Legal fees, including court costs, for services that are unavailable to a member of the military services under 10 U.S.C. 1044 or ǧ 1044a. (4) Under certain circumstances, some medical expenses for the pre-adoptive child and biological mother. (5) Temporary foster care charges when payment of such charges is required to be made before the adoptive child's placement. Where do I go for more information? Visit your local personnel support activity or check the DoD Financial Management Regulation on the links page, and select REIMBURSEMENT OF ADOPTION EXPENSES to view Vol 7c, of the Financial Management Regulations DoD 7000.14R. How can the legal assistance office help? Your local legal assistance office may advise you on local adoption law or refer you to local adoption agencies. Page Last Modified 04/02/2003 HTH Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas

I was wondering if anybody could give me any information on the adoption credit and if it applies to stepparent adoptions....My husband is planning on my kids and we are just starting the process..we have an appointment at JAG in a week but any information would be a great help thanks "God bless you and yours."

The DoD credit does not apply when adopting a step-child. Sorry. Regina, AMom to Ryan Joshua Thomas

Does it apply when foster-adopting through the state? The only fee we have to pay is $350 , but we are supposed to get that back, eventually, from the state.

It applies to state adoptions (aka waiting child or foster care) - but only 'final' expenses incurred. If the state reimburses you the $350, then there is no expense to be reimbursed. HTH Regina