How do I go about filling out the Fafsa if my parents didn't file there taxes?

Question

My Mom and Dad are divorced. My Dad is in jail and my Mom remarried. My dad never filed his taxes. My Mom and step-dad have not filed theres since 2004. My Dad worked under the table. My parents owned there own business until last year. My Mom does not work. What kind of situation do I face for financial aid? I talked to a financial advisor at the college I want to go to and they said if my parents did not file then I am uneligable for financial aid. This is not fair. Has anyone else been in this position? I need to know what I should do or how to file under these circumstances. Thanks.

Answer 1

If your parents did not file tax you are not eligible. If you are over 18 you live on your own if you are not taken care of any of your parents and you have some income, you can independently file the FAFSA. But before that you have to consult with the local court and they have to decalre you living on your own with no support from either one of your parents. That is the only way you can get help. How come your step dad and mom are not in jail either for not filing taxes all these years? Strange. My husband and I are paying taxes for everyone else and still we dont get a dime from the FAFSA, for our college student daughter.

Answer 2

The financial aid person is not correct. You are eligible for aid, unless your parents are required to file taxes and they just are not doing it.

If you parents just are not required to file taxes, then you just put will not file on the tax section and where it says income earned from working, that would be what your dad has earned.

If they are required to file and they are just avoiding it, then your school is right, you are not going to get financial aid.

Answer 3

FAQs on the FAFSA website say:

Question:  I don't talk to my parents. What should I do?

Answer:  If you are considered a dependent student, your parents’ information is required to complete FAFSA on the Web. You may use the dependency status worksheet to determine your dependency status.

If you do not have contact with your parents and cannot get this information, contact your school’s financial aid office for assistance with completing the FAFSA.

ALSO:

Question:  My parents won't file a tax return.  What should I do?

Answer:  Answer “Will Not File” to question 76 (Have your parents filed a tax return?) .

You will then be taken to question 82 (income earned from work).

Enter any income that your parents earned from a job that is listed as taxed on a W2 form.

Answer only those income questions that apply to your parents from that point on.

Best of luck.