<p>In the question asking "How much did the student's mother/stepmother earn from working (wages, salaries, tips, combat pay, etc.) in 2006 (question 83)? " , does this include alimony?</p>
<p>On the tax form, it includes alimony under income, but the alimony my family received was a one-shot deal, and if I can just put down my mother's actual income based on her work, I'd much prefer to do that. Does anyone know if this question requires me to include the alimony we received, or will that just factor in on adjusted gross income?</p>
<p>If your mother received the alimony in 2006, then it is a part of her 2006 income, and it must be included.</p>
<p>from <a href="http://www.fafsa.com/faqfafsa.htm%5B/url%5D">http://www.fafsa.com/faqfafsa.htm</a></p>
<p>"any alimony (taxable income) or child support (non-taxable) income received during the previous tax year must be reported by the custodial parent on the appropriate sections of the FAFSA"</p>
<p>so -- you do need to report the AGI that was on the tax form (including alimony).</p>
<p>Since this was a one time settlement rather than ongoing payments, you will need to talk with the financial aid counselor at the school you will be attending. They have the ability to make changes in the EFC if it is warranted. You will need to prepare information with proof -- put together a letter explaining that the alimony was a one time payment, include information on the amount of alimony, when it was paid and what it was used for (maybe your mom used it as a deposit on a house or apartment, to pay for medical insurance, etc -- try to have valid expenses, not a trip to Europe).</p>
<p>You will also need proof -- not just a note for mom or dad. The alimony should be in the official divorce decree and you will need that.</p>
<p>If the alimony was paid a while ago (not December 30th) and used for legitimate, one-time expenses you have a good shot at having your EFC adjusted to income excluding the alimony. However, if the alimony was particularly large the question will be "why didn't your mother save some for college expenses". Be prepared with a good answer.</p>
<p>No-- don't include alimony on question 83.</p>
<p>This is a question asked to calculate how much social security tax you paid, which is then deducted from you income in the calculations.</p>
<p>Alimony is income, but it's not income from working.</p>
<p>sblake is correct. Alimony is included in 'total income' but should not be included in Question 83 which is only wages, tips, salaries, + business income + farm income</p>