Can you still recieve financial aid from FAFSA if you don't have a tax return for the prior year.?

Question

I will be married and considered independent no matter what but neither of us have a tax return for last year. (which is what fafsa bases your EFC on). Am I still eligible for money and if so how much and how do they figure it?

I need real answers and am going to speak with a financial adviser soon.

Answer 1

What's the reason for not having a return? That makes a difference. There are different forms that can be filled out, but if you were supposed to file and didn't, you can't get aid until you have filed. If neither of you worked, that's a different story. Every school has different forms for low incomes. Just know that you will be expected to explain how you both survived if neither of you worked. Did you get welfare, TANF, Social Security, disability? Did you live with your parents? Someone had to support you even if they didn't directly give you money. Someone is having to pay for you to live. Just be prepared to answer those kinds of questions. If you did file, but you don't have copies, there is a form that can be sent to the IRS to get copies of the tax transcripts. It is called a 4506-T. Ask the FA advisor. They deal with this all the time!!

Answer 2

Yes, you are still eligible.  I had a friend in this situation and all he had to do was write a letter explaining how he supported himself.

Answer 3

there are ways around it, i think that it's another form or something, but the best bet is to go to your school and talk to the fin aid counselor like you are going to do. they know all the tricks! :)

Answer 4

No, you must have filed a tax return, from what I have been told.