First-time college applicant based in MA and applying to colleges in CA and DC. Parents received substantial (>$15K) cash gifts in 2018 and 2019 from family members to help because mom’s income severely impacted by medical issues. Do we provide the amount of those gifts on CSS, even though the IRS doesn’t require them on tax returns? Thanks in advance!
CSS Profile does ask about cash gifts parents receive. These amounts are not reported for tax purposes on the 1040 nor are they reported on FAFSA (Though monetary gifts and payments to the student are reported on FAFSA). However, CSS PROFILE schools can use any additional info they wish to include. It can vary as to which schools use this info and how
I hope you aren’t applying for need based aid at CA public universities…because they don’t give need based aid.
But then…Profile isn’t a required submission to those publics!