Filing for FAFSA when student declares himself as a dependant on his own tax return

Parents Forum
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<p>I know I need to ask a financial professional, but I thought maybe someone here can shed light on this subject. My son is a Junior and due to changed circumstances, he has the option when he files his taxes to declare himself as a dependent... If he does that and he's no longer part of my tax return, does he only report his assets and everything on FAFSA and CSS Profile? I'm assuming that would help him on the financial aid end.</p>

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<p>Your son is not an independent student as far as financial aid is concerned. He will still need your income/assets in addition to his own for the FAFSA/CSS Profile if he wants or needs to receive financial aid.</p>

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<p>[FAFSA</a> and the Independent Student - Fastweb](<a href=“Federal Financial Aid and the FAFSA Independent Student | Fastweb”>Federal Financial Aid and the FAFSA Independent Student | Fastweb)</p>

<p>Here is an excerpt but read the whole thing:</p>

<p>Being considered an independent student is not merely a matter of being responsible for your own educational expenses. You must meet certain criteria to be declared an independent student for the purposes of the FAFSA:</p>

<pre><code>Be 24 years of age or older by December 31 of the award year;
Be an orphan (both parents deceased), ward of the court, in foster care or was a ward of the court when 13 years or older;
Be a veteran of the Armed Forces of the United States or serving on active duty for other than training purposes;
Be a graduate or professional student;
Be a married individual;
Have legal dependents other than a spouse;
Be an emancipated minor or in legal guardianship;
Be a homeless youth;
Be a student for whom a financial aid administrator makes a documented determination of independence by reason of other unusual circumstances.
</code></pre>

<p>He could always get married…! This idea causes a lot of jokes in my household.</p>