<p>Okay, so according to the FASFA Dependency Quiz I am Independent, meaning I don't need to have my parent consent or information on anything. However, whenever I look at the forms and stuff it says I still need Tax information. What do I put here? I will not have Tax information for myself, and I am independent, so what do I do?</p>
<p>First make sure you answered the quiz questions correctly-- and that you are independent.</p>
<p>It would be unusual for someone who is independent for FAFSA purposes, not to have to file taxes. But if that’s the case, and you weren’t required to file 2008 taxes, then you input your income information and calculate your AGI using the 1040 form as a guide. Tax paid would be 0 if you weren’t required to file or pay taxes.</p>
<p>I did… you only have to answer one question yes… mine was- Have you been declared homeless by your school districts liason after July? I have the form to prove it…</p>
<p>So, everything would be zero… is that good for me? as far as how much money I would get?</p>
<p>OK, so you fill out the FAFSA with your income and asset info. If you had no reportable assets (bank accounts, savings bonds, cash) on the date you filed, and little or no '08 income, then your EFC would be zero.</p>
<p>That means you’ll be eligible for aid, how much will depend on the school. It will be grants, loans, and probably work study.</p>
<p>It does not mean a full ride unless you go to a school that promises to meet full need (most do not). It will make you eligible for certain federal grant aid such as the Pell grant (max for 2009-2010 $5350) and for federal loans (max Stafford for a freshman is $5500 but i think for an independent it is higher - maybe $9500). It might make you eligible for other federal grant aid such as the ACG ($750) if you are otherwise eligible (some academic components) and possibly SEOG (max amount varies enormously by school - my daughters school the max is $2000, my sons it is $200). It does not necessarily mean that you will get everything paid for as federal money is not enough to pay for even most 4 year state Us. </p>
<p>The schools will likely want to know how you are supporting yourself with 0 income.</p>
<p>If you get accepted into one of the schools that promises to meet full need without loans then you should get a good aid package. Though they are the most competitive and hard schools to get into. They require additional financial information - mostly profile - I don’t know how they would treat your situation.</p>
<p>If your stats are good make sure to apply to some safety schools where your stats put you in the top few % points of incoming freshmen. This will increase your chances of getting good scholarships which will make it more likely you will not have a ‘gap’ (unmet need). For instance my daughter has a 0 EFC (and all the federal grants mentioned above) but would have about $8000 in unmet need at her large State U if she did not have a merit scholarship that takes care of her tuition plus a bit extra.</p>
<p>well I have already talked to my dream school, and they would give full tuition, fees, board… and I know my back-up will give a significant amount and I would have a place to live off-campus there… but my 2nd-6th choices I have yet to contact about it…</p>
<p>thanks for the information though</p>
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<p>Tell that to the hundreds (or thousands) of graduate students who are still dependents on their own parents’ tax returns and do not earn enough money in a year to HAVE TO file taxes.</p>
<p>We have lots of independent students who don’t make any money … students who are independent due to age but are still living at home … students who were in foster care any time after the age of 13 (even for a day) … students who are unaccompanied youth (homeless). We also have lots of adults who live on their financial aid refund checks (and public assistance).</p>