<p>My mother passed away at the end of the year last year. How do i show that her income will not exist this year when completing a Fafsa application?</p>
<p>So sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Hopefully Kelsmom will chime in here. </p>
<p>Maybe because your dad is now unmarried (sorry to say it that way) and he’s now your only custodial parent, you don’t even list your mom’s income at all? Somewhat like how students fill out FAFSA when parents separate. Even tho both parents’ income is on the tax return, only one parent is listed as custodial parent and therefore only his income is used. </p>
<p>Did your dad check the box that indicates that he’s widowed?</p>
<p>Condolences on the death of your mother.</p>
<p>Some schools will grant a special circumstances review after the death of a parent or spouse. FAFSA is based on the prior year’s income, not this year’s. Fill out your FAFSA using 2012 tax information, and then request a review.</p>
<p>I am so sorry for your loss. </p>
<p>When you file your FAFSA, you will indicate that your dad is a widower. You will report only your dad’s income. The best way to do this is to do a 1040 with just your dad’s income information. You will need to use one less exemption, and the filing status will be Head of Household. Redoing the 1040 in this way - just for FAFSA purposes, of course - will give you the correct numbers. If you were to be selected for verification, you would need to provide the financial aid office with your mom’s W2’s, and maybe they will also ask for proof of death. If you are not selected for income verification, though, you won’t have to do anything special.</p>