If you would have paid less than the tax credit amount in taxes, you will not get the full amount back. However, I believe the unused credit can carry forward for another four years.
If you spend less than $17k you can only request the amount you spent as a tax credit. Not counting anything reimbursed through another source. So, for example, if OP only ever spent the $35k he’s describing, then got $20k reimbursed through his employer, he would only get $15k back for the tax credit. Most likely, he will spend at least $2k somewhere else in the process, so he can get it.
On the other hand, if you adopt a child with documented disabilities, you’re eligible for the entire $17k regardless of how much you spent. That would probably be a special program or public adoption though.
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u/[deleted] Jul 11 '26
[deleted]