How do I file for FAFSA without tax returns?

Question

My parents were divorced a few years ago. My mom doesn't work, and we are living off of the child support that my dad is sending us (which is required by law that he do so until I turn 18. I turned 18 a few months ago, so he will not be involved with me legally at all anymore). Since she doesn't work, we don't have any tax returns to file for FAFSA. My dad downright refused to be involved with college tuition, and didn't file the tax returns when we asked him to. I was completely hopeless about being able to file for FAFSA. I recently e-mailed my college's financial aid office as my last attempt, and they said I could still fill one out, and they recommend that I do. My question is, how do I file for FAFSA? What steps should I take? Is it too late to file it online at this point? Should I fill one out manually? How do I send my filed FAFSA to my school? I'm new to this, and since school is out, there are no college counselors to guide me through this. Please help me.

Answer 1

Just go to http://fafsa.ed.gov and fill it out.  If your mother had ANY income she earned from working in 2007 it should be listed on the question that asks about her "Income Earned from Working".  If she had none, she would enter 0.

When it asks for your mothers income tax information just select "Will not file" and move on to the next question. There is also a question that asks how much she received in child support for the year of 2007.   The information will automatically be sent to your school.

It is not too late, but you had better hurry...

Read this book cover to cover, it will answer most questions you have about the process.

Answer 2

If you're applying for the 2008-2009 school year then it's too late to submit a fafsa. Normally though you would fill it out even though your mom doesn't work and your dad is not involved. You just put that you live with your mom and as for her financial situation put 0's on all the questions.  After you complete the whole thing, the information will be processed and then the schools that you specified will receive the financial information and the amount that was awarded. In your case everything should be covered.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/index.htm

Answer 3

The other person is wrong.  It's not to late to submit a FAFSA.  You can submit is at any time even though they prefer them by April.  You need to do it asap though or you may not have aid for fall.

Answer 4

Even though its summer there should still be financial aid officers available...at my school, summer was really the busiest month b/c of people trying to get their financial stuff straight!  

    Since your parents are divorced, you can file your fafsa using either of their information.  So since your dad won't file, use your mom's info.  Also, know that the info on your fafsa doesn't have to be exact to your tax return. (If you haven't filed one, they ask you to estimate)  

   In order to file, you can get a paper copy and mail it in, or go to fafsa.edu and do it online.  I did a paper one the first time but then did the online filing and it was a lot eaiser.  Plus it will save your info from year to year.  All you have to do is go to the website and select the option for first-time filer and you'll be started.  It will can even save the info you put down so that you can come back to it later.  It essentially just wants to know your basic tax info (like gross income, interest from any money saved etc.) and then will ask you what schools you want the info sent to.  Even if you aren't sure of going to a certain school, select it, so that if you change your mind they will already have your stuff.



    Most importantly, the financial aid office will be your best friend! Believe me!  If you have any questions, contact them (even during the summer, they should still be there).  Although, my school would normally be unavailable by phone in the first week before classes due to the influx of people needing assistance.  

   I'm not sure what the deadline is for this year, but I think you have until the end of July to file.  Keep in mind that the earlier you can get it in, the better shot you have at grants rather than loans.  

    Congrats at going to college and take care!! Have Fun!