What do I have to do to file my taxes as an independent?

Question

Im a 19 year old college student and my freshman year I did not recieve any financial aid(except for 2K a semester in federal loans). All my friends and cousins have been telling me that the best way to recieve financial aid is to file taxes as an independent. I was wondering what I have to do to be considered independent. I really dont want to get in trouble with the government, but college is expensive and my family cannot afford to pay. Do I have to have a different address than my parents? Did I have to make a certain amount of money? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Talk to a CPA. They are awesome about this. They helped me out a lot with similar problems.

Answer 2

Well, actually just filing your own taxes is not enough, because, one of the first questions on a tax return is "Can Somebody Else Claim you as a dependant", it doesn't matter if they do or don't. Most likely if you are 19 and a full time student your parents can claim you as a dependant. Of course you are better off talking to a CPA, however, if you think your parents truly can't afford your education, the school will always help you. What did the government say about your FAFSA application?
See, if your parents make reasonable money, but spend them on car leases or excessive holiday shopping, than it is possible that the government thinks you can afford the school, but in fact there is no money available. The government and schools only care about your income and basic living expenses, they don't think that you need to afford a better car or snickers or PS3 while in school.
I know it is not the answer you are looking for, but even if you have to borrow for education, this is money well spent. This may feed you for life.
Playing with your income tax return will most likely get you in trouble, but will not help with school expenses for they've seen it all, they know what to look at, and how to find the money if you're hiding it from them. But if you truly don't have any money, talk to financial aid department again, and see why are you disqualified.
I hope this helps.

Answer 3

If you are 24 years of age or younger, the only way you could be independent, for FAFSA purposes, is to get married. Otherwise, they will require your parental information, regardless of whether or not you file taxes independently

Answer 4

All that means is that you file your own taxes, and your parents don't claim you as a dependent. Your address, how much you make doesn't matter.