didn't file taxes--what to do for FAFSA?

Paying for College
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<p>My situation is a bit strange...
I've been studying/working abroad for the past year-- a direct enrollment in the school there so no ties with US universities and i don't know what "status" that gave me. I worked a bit as a tutor, so everything was in cash, and I also received some support from my parents. I didn't file taxes in the US or abroad.</p>

<p>I'll be starting a masters now, and need to fill out this FAFSA thingie. since i didn't file taxes, i don't know how to report my income. (it wasn't very high!) will i get in trouble for not having a W2 and just kind of estimating my earnings??</p>

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<p>If you didn’t make enough money to have to file a return, then you just fill out the FAFSA as “will not file”. But if you did, then file a return now. It’s not too late.</p>

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<p>thanks! i was just worried that a W2 was an absolute requirement or something…</p>

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<p>Ahhh, I think you might stop in and visit with a local accountant. Just because you were paid in cash doesn’t mean you escape taxes. I know we were advised to go ahead and fill out a 1040(A??) for our sons when they earned a couple of hundred dollars over the summer. I can’t remember why, but maybe it was to get things in line for the FAFSA. (They didn’t owe any tax). </p>

<p>Anyway, I would check this out with a professional (not just an internet forum). The FAFSA could lead to thousands of dollars of aid – or it could lead to you getting booted out of a program if you “lied” (even unknowingly) about your income.</p>

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<p>If you are selected for verification, the school will request a tax return — if you were not required to file, there will be a non tax filer form available from the school to submit. Tax returns are not a requirement for receiving federal aid. However, if you WERE required to file & did not, you will not be able to receive federal aid unless & until you file.</p>

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<p>You don’t even really need to see an accountant, you could easily run your numbers through the tax software (either with pen/pencil or use the free software) and see what it ends up being. There’s a high probability that you did not earn enough from your cash tutoring etc. to put you in a position where you were required to file, but if you want to be secure in your thinking, just run the numbers to double check. </p>

<p>Kelsmom is correct as always. Filing is not a requirement but you also need to make sure that you were not required to file.</p>