<p>I've searched the forums and haven't found a situation similar to mine, so I hope someone can help. I am a US Citizen but have been living abroad for the past few years. I just recently moved back and want to go to college. My husband is a citizen of another country and since I have not had a job during the time I've lived abroad I haven't filed any income tax returns. How do I fill out the FAFSA with no tax returns and no proof of income? </p>
<p>Also, what is my status for residency? Am I considered out of state for tuition purposes, even though this is my home state? I have a valid state driver's license that I was able to keep while out of the country, as well as a bank account. But no utility or tax records. </p>
<p>Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>There are very specific tax rules concerning Americans living in foreign countires married to foreigners. You should probably consult someone with some knowledge of the tax laws concerning the time you were out of the country. That person may also be able to answer the "state" related question. I'm surprised you were not required by the US to file an income tax statement at all, being a US citizen overseas and married to a foreigner is not a totally uncommon occurence...but I am by no means knowledgeable - consult someone with Americans abroad tax experience for sure.</p>
<p>I would call a few of the colleges you are interested in, and ask them. :)</p>
<p>momofthreeboys,
Thanks for replying.</p>
<p>I know the tax rules, it's the financial aid application rules I don't know.</p>
<p>I do not have to file a tax return because I don't meet the income requirements. I haven't worked so therefore no income. You are only required to file if you make a certain amount. (I think the current limit is $3000)</p>
<p>And my husband, who does not live in the U.S. and has no U.S. income, is not required to file either.</p>
<p>I think the reason you're not getting any answers from either of the places you've posted is that your situation can be complicated. How the federal government views your situation on an FAFSA is hard to determine on the fly on a board like this eg: is your husband now in the US with you, how does FAFSA treat spousal income from a non US spouse, for the state school, what address, etc. was on your visa paperwork, what kind of visa were you on, what is on your passport, are you and your spouse living in the residence listed on your US driver's license, did you keep this residence while you were an expat and on and on. If you are currently living in the state you want to attend school, in the house address that is on your US drivers license and on your passport, probably the simplest thing is to do is to ask the college regarding the in-state/out-of state question... the school may even be able to comment on the federal FAFSA questions or as I mentioned find someone who deals with expat families often as it can be quite complex.</p>
<p>Thanks for your reply! I guess the best thing would just be to talk to the school.</p>