Why do I need this information?

Question

I'm going to start college in January but I need to fill out my FAFSA form (very soon). I'm 18 years old and have my own income, so why do I still need my parents information?

Answer 1

It's based off of the 2007 tax filing. If you weren't on your parent's taxes then file as an independent, but if you were on their taxes you need that info

Answer 2

Because they won't give you financial aid if your parents can afford to pay for your college. It's not the states job (meaning all the other people in the state) to pay for your college, if your parents can do it, right? Taxes don't come from nowhere.

Answer 3

Because most people your age have no credit on which to base your reliability. Since the FAFSA form is for financial aide (some of which may or may not need to be paid back) they need some kind of a gauge to judge your reliability. Also, if you want financial assistance that does not need to be paid back, then they want to see how badly you need the money. In their mind, if you're parents make enough money to pay for school, then you don't need the financial aid (regardless of whether or not they're even willing to pay for school, unless you can prove that they will in no way be able to assist you for some reason). So basically, they need to know your folks' info to determine how much money to give you based on need and reliability since most 18 year olds have no credit or income to speak of.

Answer 4

Because you are a teen and only work part time, so you probably make very little money on your own and would qualify for lots of financial aid, but, if your parents make enough money to pay for you to go to college, all that financial aid money would be better of going to someone more needy who doesn't have parents to help them.

Answer 5

It doesn't matter if your parents write you off on taxes or not. The FAFSA is just a government scholarship for graduating teens. You still need your parents information because unlike other scholarships this one is based on grades "and" your parents income. It would be best to fill out the form, you don't have anything to lose. Besides the amount of money you make doesn't matter, only your parent's money. I don't remember if they ask "you" if you make an income, but if they do make sure to say you don't. The more money your family makes the less amount you receive- or get as a matter of fact. Have a nice day!

Answer 6

Well, unfortunately, unless you're legally emancipated you're required to include your parent's income information on the FAFSA until you're 24. It's not necessarily fair...it's just how the federal student aid system got set up.

They base your financial need on your parent's income (your mother's since she is the one who claimed you) from the previous year (and yours as well since you're employed).

And unfortunately there's no way around it.

Answer 7

Who claimed you last year on taxes? The FALSA is based on last years return.

Answer 8

Because the majority of hs kids parents voted for the Politicians who put this law in place.  Until you are 24 or married or have kids or become a veteran you have to list your parents income on the fafsa.  It doesn't matter who claimed you on their taxes or where you live.