<p>Does your child have to file an income tax return for FAFSA if they didn't pay any federal tax and are under the filing limits so they under IRS rules they are not required to file a return?</p>
<p>There is an option on FAFSA separately for the parents and for the student on if a tax return has followed. One of the options is “will not file.” I select this option for myself as I have the same situation. So no, if one doesn’t have to file a tax return, they can still file a FAFSA.</p>
<p>She did make an income but just didn’t make enough to pay taxes on that income so is it reported on the FAFSA?</p>
<p>Yes, it is reported on FAFSA even if it’s under the tax limits. It probably won’t count against her for FAFSA purposes, since there is an amount of student income “sheltered” from consideration.</p>
<p>Would it be easier to just file a Federal Tax Return as far as filling out the FAFSA even if it’s not required?</p>
<p>It makes no difference.</p>