<ul>
<li>My parents are legally married, but they are pretty much separated in person. </li>
<li>Both have supported me financially, but my father went out of business a few years ago so my mom has been providing financially for me recently. </li>
<li>They file their income taxes separately. </li>
<li>I think my dad is NOT going to file an income tax because this year he says he really has no income. He works for himself and gets cash.</li>
<li>Do I list my parents as married or as separated and only include my mom's financial information?</li>
<li>And if I list my parents as separated, will my household size remain as 3? Mom, Dad, Me</li>
</ul>
They cannot be both separated and be members of the same household. Which is it? You cannot say they are separated if they live in the same household. </p>
<p>If they are separated (that is they live in separate households and are not together) then you list the one you live with the most on FAFSA. </p>
<p>
Even if you work for yourself and get paid cash you are required to file a tax return.</p>
<p>Ok, I understand now. I am going to list my parents as married since they are legally still married, estimate their income based on 2008 and add their incomes together because they file their tax returns separately. Is this ok?</p>
<p>Yes. Just remind them that financial aid officers are required by law to make sure the parents use the correct tax filing status if a student is verified. Ask them to please make sure that they file with the correct status, as it can hold up your aid & they might be required to file amended returns in order for you to get aid if they don’t. I say this because it is a very common mistake that is a big headache for aid officers & students alike.</p>