Do I qualify for FAFSA if my parents haven't done taxes?

Question

My mom makes no money but my dad makes around $65,000/yr. He doesn't do taxes just because he's lazy. Can I still get financial aid?

Answer 1

You will likely not be eligible for a Pell Grant or FSEOG.  Based upon your academic record, you may be eligible for the ACG grant (or SMART grant if you are an upperclassman in a qualifying program).

Additionally, if you file a FAFSA and are either selected for verification by the government or institution, your father will likely need to have completed his taxes as those documents are often required for verification.

I would strongly encourage your father to file his taxes for tax evasion is a serious crime that can land someone in jail. In the past couple years, the IRS has hired people to find tax evaders.

Answer 2

I  had a similar problem my father has not done his taxes either but i applied anyway and i got an award package a good one too but i applied in march. The only thing is when you are asked for his information on his W2 his has got to have one of them. His employer has to give him regardless whether his actually files or not. Just when the question pops up that asks you whether he has filed or not just say he will file. Thats what i did and i got a really good award package and he still has not filed.

Answer 3

You can apply even though they have not yet filed, but you will not get your awarded amount until they have submitted their taxes

Answer 4

Your father is required by law to do his taxes every year.  You can do your fafsa by selecting "Will file" when it asks about his taxes, but the school will NOT award you any money based on this.  Only until you have produced a copy of his signed tax return will they award you any money.

I would strongly encourage you to get him to file... the good news is when he is IN JAIL for tax evasion, you prob wouldn't have to worry, because he would no longer have that 65K a year income.

Answer 5

I believe there is a spot on the form that asks if it has been filed.  You may be able to use an estimate with supporting documentation.

Good luck.