Can I claim my stepchild or adopted child as a dependent?

A stepson, stepdaughter or adopted child is a qualifying child just like a birth son or daughter is. The same rules apply to stepchildren as to birth children, so if your stepchild meets all the requirements of a dependent, you can claim them and receive the same credits, such as the child tax credit and earned income credit.

The same thing applies for a stepparent or stepbrother, etc. A stepmother or stepfather is the same as a mother or father, and if you meet all the criteria for claiming a stepparent as a dependent, then you may do so.