Which of the following individuals could meet the Relationship Test for a qualifying child?

The option identifying an adopted child as a qualifying individual for the Relationship Test is correct because the IRS recognizes adopted children as qualifying children for tax purposes in the same way as biological children. This means that when determining eligibility for certain tax benefits, such as the Child Tax Credit or Earned Income Tax Credit, an adopted child is treated equally to a biological child.

The Relationship Test requires the child to be related to the taxpayer in specific ways, and adoption falls under this umbrella, ensuring that the adopting parent has the same rights and responsibilities as a biological parent. This inclusion aims to provide equitable tax benefits regardless of whether a child is adopted or born into the family, reflecting the intention of many tax provisions to support families broadly.

Considering the other options, a stepchild would also qualify under certain conditions, which may not have been chosen as the correct answer here likely due to specific nuances or exceptions in qualifying rules that may apply differently from adopted children. A cousin and a foreign exchange student typically do not meet the requirements set forth by the IRS for a qualifying child, as they do not fit into the specified familial relationships necessary to fulfill the Relationship Test.