Our child was born and adopted in Jan 2021, however we paid all the money in 2020. Should we put it in our 2020 tax return or wait until 2021?

[RayW7]

For U.S. private adoptions with qualified adoption expenses, you can claim the credit before finalization (or for a failed adoption) but you must wait one year after you incur the expenses. So, if you had expenses for an adoption in 2020 that has not or will not finalize, you must claim them with your 2021 taxes.

The adoption tax benefits provide an incentive for individuals or families to adopt an eligible child. The 2020 maximum dollar amount per eligible child is $14,300. If your expenses were spread over multiple years, you might be able to spread the credit over multiple tax returns (see Who Qualifies and What Adoption Expenses Qualify below).

Included in the tax benefits is a nonrefundable tax credit. This is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the amount of federal taxes owed (tax liability) for the year. You won't get a refund if the tax credit is more than your total tax owed for the year. However:

• Any credit in excess of your tax liability may be carried forward for up to five years.
• There's an exclusion from income for an approved employer-provided adoption assistance program.

To claim the adoption tax credit in TurboTax:

1. Open or continue your return if it isn't already open.
2. Search for adoption credit and select the Jump to link.
3. On the Did you pay any adoption expenses in 2020 or earlier? or the Credit for Adoption Expenses screen, read the information and, if you qualify, answer Yes.
4. Continue answering questions until you're finished.

An eligible child is:

• Any child under the age of 18. If the child turned 18 during the year, the child is an eligible child for the part of the year they were under 18.
• Any disabled individual mentally or physically unable to take care of themselves.

Regarding the adoption tax credit, keep in mind:

• If you've adopted the child of your spouse, you can't claim this credit.
• The credit usually isn't available if you are Married Filing Separately.
• Keep receipts for all qualified adoption expenses with your tax records.

-follow these links for more information-

Topic No. 607 Adoption Credit and Adoption Assistance ...

Who qualifies for the credit?

What adoption expenses qualify for the credit?

[Opus 17]

Because of the 1 year rule, your 2020 expenses will be reported on your 2021 tax return.  However, since the adoption was finalized in 2021, any further expenses will be claimed in the year you paid them (you don't have to wait until 2022 to claim 2021 expenses, if you have any.)