I am an adult student attending for the first time. The school is requesting income verification for year 2016, when I had no income. That year, my live in girlfriend claimed me as a dependent on her taxes. Will they count my girlfriend’s income when determining my financial aid?
They might consider as income any bills that were in your name that your girlfriend paid in 2016 (money paid on your behalf).
You probably have to get a “verification of nonfiling letter” from the IRS to prove you didn’t file a tax return in 2016.
If you really had $0 income, then the school might ask you how you paid for living costs.
Just answer their questions honestly and asap, so they can process your financial aid.
But if you aren’t married, her income should not be on your FA application.
Can a live in girlfriend really declare her boyfriend as a dependent?
If he meets the definition. It’s pretty difficult as the max income is just over $3000.
To be a “qualifying relative” in 2017 and be claimed as a dependent, the person’s annual gross income must be less than $4,050. There are other tests that must be met as well, but it’s possible.
So…a girlfriend would be a qualifying “relative”?
I guess I’m missing something.
But really…doesn’t matter for FAFSA purposes…if the OP isn’t married to this person when filing the FAFSA, then their income is NOT included.
Qualifying Relative tests to be considered a tax dependent:
- Not a qualifying child test (cannot be a qualifying child)
- Member of household or relationship test (must be a member of the household for the whole year or a specific relative who doesn't have to live in the same household)
- Gross income test (gross income for the year must be less than $4,050)
- Support test (taxpayer generally must provide more than half of the person's total support during the calendar year)
yeah I was surprised too but looked it up. “relative” is not an accurate term. A girlfriend/boyfriend that you live with certainly can be a dependent. Who knew!