Can I file as an independent (for the FAFSA) if my parents won't share their tax info?

Question

My parents are incooperative with the information; I live with them but they are no longer able to help me with tuition. Is there something I can do to not have to file with their info? I'm only 22 (and about to be a fifth-yr senior).

Answer 1

Not much you can do.  Them proving their information on the fafsa does not obligate them in any way to pay for your school.  On the contrary, by providing their tax info they are allowing you to take out federal student loans in your name only.

When you get a bachelors degree and should you choose to go to grad school you won't need their info any longer.  Just one more year, that's all you'll need their info for.

Answer 2

No, there is not really much that you can do. The questions that determine whether or not you are considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes are based on federal regulations made by the US Department of Education. These guidelines indicate that only a student who is 24 years of age or older, married, has children/dependents of their own, is a veteran, is working on a master's/doctorate program, or is an orphan/ward of the court can be considered independent for purposes of receiving federal student aid. Because these are federal regulations, there is not much room for bending the rules. There is something called a Dependency Override, but that is for students in situations of abuse or abondonment--neither of which seem to apply to you.