@Drg45
If I understand correctly, he has a daughter and since you two are now married, that daughter is your step-daughter, right?
when you state '50/50' custody of the daughter. If you have 50%, who has the other 50%.? and it can't be EXACTLY 50/50! Which parent (you or the bio-Mom) will the daughter spend 183 or more days with? Let's start there.
The person who cares for the child at least 183 days of the year is the custodial parent and controls claiming the child. That parent can allow the non-custodial parent to claim the child tax credit by completing and providing form 8332.
The expression "our year to claim the child" is a misnoner. The custodial parent ALWAYS claims the child. But they can permit the other parent to claim the CHILD TAX CREDIT by completing form 8332. The custodial parent can not pass the benefit of EITC to the non-custodial parent, nor can the non-custodial parent file HOH based on this child.
this app will help determine who can claim her. Go through it twice: a) answer the questions for your self. and then b) play the role of whomever has the other 50%. (the daughter's bio mother?????)
https://www.irs.gov/help/ita/whom-may-i-claim-as-a-dependent
