Adoption tax credit is one to keep

Tax reform is long overdue for our nation. The system is riddled with deductions and credits that distort economic activity and promote special interests at the expense of the general population. I believe that most should be eliminated while lowering overall rates. However, I was pleased to learn that House Republicans reinstated the adoption tax credit.

As parents of two adopted children, my wife and I have used this credit to offset some of the expenses of adopting, which were in the tens of thousands of dollars. While the existence of the credit did not influence our desire to adopt, it can factor into the consideration for other families thinking about welcoming a child into their lives.

Unlike many other special deductions and credits, the adoption tax credit does not distort economic activity since no one will adopt just to get the credit. It also benefits society because adopted children do not remain or end up in foster care.

Congress is right to take up tax reform, but keeping the adoption tax credit is a win for taxpayers, the adoptive family and most importantly the child.

Eric DiSilvestro

​Bolingbrook