Ask The Taxgirl: Foster Child

Taxpayer asks:

Can I claim my foster child as a dependent?

Taxgirl says:

Yes, assuming that your foster child meets all of the other dependent criteria.

Keep in mind that, according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), a child is considered to be a foster child so long as he or she has “been placed with you by an authorized placement agency or by judgment, decree, or order of any court of competent jurisdiction.”