Both of my parents are married however, one of them make no income what do I do?
Are they married to each other? Do you have step parents?
Yes they are both married to each other
My dad is the only person who files his taxes as head of household
The information is taken from their 2018 federal tax return. In fact, FAFSa will link to it. It’s not unusual to have a parent who does not work. They likely filed their taxes jointly anyways, did they not?
No on my fathers tax returned it is marked as head of household
Why did your father file as Head of Household in 2018? What was the status of your parents’ marriage throughout 2018, and what was your parents’ living situation in 2018?
Were your parents living together in 2018?
More importantly are they living together now?
If so, you fill out the information for your father using the 2018 return for income. If your mother did not make any money, put in zeros for her. Asset information is as of the date you submit the FAFSA.
You will likely be picked for verification and need to provide additional information. Such as proof your mother did not file a return (IRS can provide) But let them colleges ask for the info.
My father usually files his taxes with his CPA because he knows very little english so there must have been some kind of miscommunication, my parents status was married and they always lived together.
It is possible. But bottom line for now is you use the 2018 tax info and add your mother’s income to it. She made no money, it’s all zero.
Yes they are living together right now and have been in 2018 and ok thanks for the help
If this is the case, your father filed using the wrong status. His only proper choices are either Married Filing Jointly or Married Filing Separately.
Is there anything he can do about now?
Yes. He can file an amended return.
Just wondering what if I already submitted it with the original?
Have you filed FAFSA already?
yes, it was a total mistake on my part as well for not realizing and also I have to fill out a verification worksheet. So I was thinking I should get my dad to amend his tax then fix my fafsa and then fill out the verification form.
Do I inform the school from where I got the verification form that I need to amend his taxes and that there will be a delay?
Just to be clear: you can not amend your father’s tax return(s); only he can do that.
Yes that’s what I meant my bad