Do I NEED my parents tax information for FAFSA?

Question

I'm 23 and I haven't lived with my mother since I was 19. She is now retired and my father has not filed taxes in years. I want to get as much help from them cuz I live on a very fixed income but I don't want the IRS looking for my dad and I don't know if it makes a difference if my mother is working or not. Do I need to give their information?

Answer 1

If you are turning 24 by January 1, 2008, no you won't need your parent's data.

However, if you won't be 24 by January 1st, you will need your parents' data. You are allowed to estimate the data based on their W2s, SS benefit statements, etc. This is assuming you're not a veteran, don't have kids, and are not married.

The Department of Education is currently not allowed to share information with the IRS...and vice versa, so you won't get your dad into trouble.

Answer 2

I have the form right here. If you can say yes to any of these questions you DON'T need parents info.
1) Were you born before 1-1-1984
2) At the beginning of 2007-2008 school year will you be working on a masters or doctorate program (such as MA MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD or graduate certificate, etc.)?
3) As of today, are you married?
4) Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
5) Do you have dependents (other than children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through 6-30-08?
6) Are (a) both your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
7) are you currently serving on active duty in the US Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
8) Are you a veteran of the US Armed Forces?
IF ALL ANSWERS ARE NO THEN YOU WILL NEED PARENTS INCOME

Answer 3

If you answer yes to any of the below questions then no you will not need to include any income or assets from your parents.

-Were you born before January 1, 1984?
-At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)?
-As of today, are you married? (Q50) (Answer “Yes” if you are separated but not divorced.) “As of today” refers to the day that you sign your FAFSA.
-Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
-Do you have dependents other than your children/spouse who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008?
-Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
-Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
-Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

The Department of Education is not responsible to notify the IRS that someone has not filed for taxes. But make sure what ever data you do submit on the FAFSA is correct. Meaning if your mom filed one thing on a tax form yet you report something different on the FAFSA. Verification on the FAFSA is done on 30% of applications submitted to the Dept. of Ed. Some school do 100% verification if they choose to do so.

Your mom is retired but if she makes any income that she is obligated to report to the IRS then that info may have to be included in the FAFSA. The FAFSA is pretty specific as to what is considered income and what is not.

This link below will allow you to view an electronic version of a paper FAFSA. Review the section on parent income.

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fafsaws78c.pdf

Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yes, you need your parents tax information if you are under the age of 24. The amount of money that they give you is based on your parent's income as well as your own.

Answer 5

When you fill out the FAFSA they will ask you a few questions to determine if you are considered either dependent or independent. If you are considered a dependent then you will have to provide tax information for your parents. Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Well, if your 23 and no longer depend on your parents they will only need your tax information to determine if your eligible and for how much.

Answer 7

Someone told me that if you are under 24, you have to have your parents info on there.

Answer 8

no u don't...i think so. I mean u are not a minor but u can always check the FAFSA help page. www.fafsa.ed.gov

Answer 9

No, on the questionnaire it will ask you if you live on your own. You will be considered an independent student. If you are, you don't have to put your parents income on there.