<p>Hello. I'm filling out my FAFSA at the moment and my parents are divorced and they were too in 2011, however, for some reason the child support that my father pays doesn't show up in those taxes. On FAFSA it asks for the annual amount. Should I still list it even if it doesn't appear on my mom's taxes? </p>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>You need to list it on the FAFSA. I have no idea about your moms taxes…but really, income tax was already paid by your dad for this child support money…so I don’t think your mom pays it again on the same money…but a tax expert will hopefully pipe in here to correct me if I’m wrong!</p>
<p>Child support does not show up on anyone’s taxes; your dad does not get to write it off on his taxes and your mom does not get to add it as income on her taxes. However, on the FAFSA, your mom will have to include any child support received from your dad. Remember, fraud on the FAFSA is punishable be stiff penalties, jail time, repayment of any financial aid received and possible expulsion from your college.</p>
<p>Child support doesn’t show up on mom’s taxes because it is not taxable income - so it doesn’t have to be declared on mom’s tax return.</p>
<p>It does have to be included on FAFSA.</p>
<p>Just came in to be the 4th to say it’s not taxable but does have to be on FAFSA.</p>
<p>Thank you all so much, all the answers are appreciated! :-)</p>
<p>The above posters are obviously correct but I have a concern. Why did you wait until August to start the FAFSA for Fall 2012?</p>
<p>Next year start ASAP after 1/1/13 to give yourself the maximum chance for aid.</p>
<p>No I’m starting college fall 2013. Was I supposed to start it earlier?</p>
<p>no, you do the fafsa in January or Febuary for the following fall based on your 2012 taxes for the fall of 2013… So, you are doing it too early with income/child support numbers a year too old.</p>
<p>Seriously? I just asked my mom and she said she will do her 2012 taxes on Feb? Is that too late?</p>
<p>The FAFSA for the 2013-2014 school year will be able to be filed beginning January 1, 2013. You can do it then using GOOD estimates based on end of year pay stubs and current bank statements…income estimates for 2012 and current bank balances will be used. You will do a WILL FILE status meaning that you will file but have not yet done so. Then get your taxes done ASAP after Feb 1. You will then amend your FAFSA to make the changes that are on your 2012 tax return, change your status to TAXES COMPLETED, and resubmit.</p>
<p>Thank you Thumper! You really cleared up all my confusion, good thing I asked this question. Thanks again!</p>
<p>Good for you for getting ready now. January will be here before we know it :)</p>
<p>Yeah, I’m glad because I have lots of things to do and time flies :)</p>