Fraud on FAFSA?

Question

I completed my FAFSA online in January and stated that NO ONE can claim me as a dependent.

I am 25 w/ a 6 month old, however I lived off of scholarships last year which amounted to 3600. My boyfriend lives with me.

This past weekend I found out that my mother claimed me as a dependent on her tax return. According to her, she "thought" I asked her to do it when I was asking her for advice about whether I should allow my boyfriend to claim for my baby since I made so little last year.

I am upset because she is a NURSE. I haven't lived with her since age 19 and she DOES NOT support me at all financially.

When I was under 23, I had h**l attending school because she wouldn't help and I was also working. With our combined incomes I received no financial aid.

Will her filing put my financial aid in jeopardy? My EIC is O.

Also, is this fraud if FAFSA also warns that info must be accurate otherwise you can be fined?

Answer 1

I dont think that you are going to have a problem if FAFSA finds out about this, you are 100% in the clear with the explanation.  Your mother, however, may have MAJOR problems with the IRS, she is the one who is committing fraud against the US government.  I would advise her to submit an amended tax return for the year that she decided to fraudulently claim you as a dependent on her taxes.  Let her know that if this comes to light you have no option but to tell the truth to FAFSA and the federal govt because you have to tell the truth in order to continue receiving fin aid and furthering your education.  that was really not very bright on your moms end, she may want to consult with a tax specialist on how to best remedy this situation for her