<p>First of all, let me say that neither of my parents pay for ANYTHING since I got a job @ 16-- not even food most the time.</p>
<p>Now, my parents have been separated for 12+ years and I had been living with my dad up until H.S. graduation. After that I moved in with my mother so that I would be closer to the community college I wanted to go to.</p>
<p>Neither of them make much money. My dad makes 'low-to-descent' income but my mom on the other hand is about as poor as one can be. Now, when I fill out the FAFSA, I am told to put only my mom's income and whatnot since I have been living with her the most over the past few years.</p>
<p>The problem I have is that not only does my dad still report me as a dependent on his income taxes, but I have all my mail sent to his house (he doesn't trust my mom w/ anything). Therefore everything still looks as if I live with him.</p>
<p>That's why I am so hesitant to fill the FAFSA out for Berkeley. Does he need to remove me from his income taxes? How do they verify that I have been living with my mom for more than 1/2 the time? I am confused...</p>
<p>Who is the custodial parent? If it is your dad and he claims you on taxes, then I would think his income would be the one to report but I am no expert by any means. I think I would call the financial aid office.</p>
<p>FAFSA does say to put the parent you have lived with the most. However it does look as though the fact your Dad has claimed you on his taxes could create a problem as, by claiming you on his taxes, he is saying he provides 50%+ of your support. Depending on what potential aid you would be eligible for it may be better for your Dad not to claim you. Though it is probably too late for this year.</p>
<p>If your parents are not paying for anything how do you live - are you working and making an income? We do not claim my son for tax purposes becauses he earns has been working so he claims his own exemptions. He is still a dependant for FAFSA purposes.</p>
<p>Who is the custodial parent for FAFSA purposes (your Mom) is different than whether your Mom or Dad claims you as a dependent on their taxes. Somewhat different requirements.</p>
<p>So fill out the FAFSA correctly, listing Mom as the custodial parent. If asked, explain that you listed Mom as the custodial parent because you lived with her most of the 12 months prior to completing FAFSA (which is how FAFSA defines it). </p>
<p>The IRS dependent requirements are a bit more complex-- and the 50%+ residency requirement covers the tax year, not the 12 months prior to completing FAFSA. There's no longer a requirement that a parent provide more than 50% of the support for a child in order to claim the child as a dependent (but there are other requirements).</p>