<p>My daughter, a junior, lives with me and her step-dad. Hsb and I file joint return so if we applied this year for aid he would need to be on application. What if for 2008 returns we file separately and I am the only one claiming my daughter, then next year when we fill out the FASFA could I, and her dad be the only parents on it? Wondering because my husband makes the most-$140k and we are now looking at no need base aid, but my ex makes around $50k, and me $20k. Anyone know if this would work, and be legit? </p>
<p>Debbie</p>
<p>No it would not be legit at all. FAFSA treats a step parent as a parent and you are required to report his income and assets. Does not matter how you file your taxes. There are no exceptions to this. And you (or actually your daughter as she is the one filing FAFSA) would be lying on a federal document, never a good idea. </p>
<p>But you do not report your ex on FAFSA at all.</p>
<p>No, who claims the kid on taxes has nothing to do with fafsa. If your daughter lives with you and you are remarried, you MUST put down your income and the step father’s income. The exhusband’s info would go onto the CSS profile if any of the colleges she is applying to require that form</p>
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<p>It doesn’t matter HOW you file your tax returns. Your husband’s (the stepdad’s) income and assets MUST be reported on the FAFSA. Step dad is a member of your FAMILY. The FAFSA computes an expected FAMILY contribution.</p>
<p>The ex husband is not reported on the FAFSA. The only way he would be used on the FAFSA is if your daughter moved in with him for the year and HE became the custodial parent. If that were the case, then HE would be on the FAFSA (not you and step dad), along with his spouse if there is one.</p>
<p>EVERYONE reports on the Profile.</p>
<p>Ok, I guess I got some wrong info from another site. At least I don’t need to include my ex’s income. Thanks everyone!</p>
<p>if you file a CSS profile (not all schools use this) then you DO put the ex and his spouse (if remarried) and their assets</p>