<p>Mostly all college apps ask for your family's gross income range. However my dad gave me the tax return for 2011 and since he is self-employed, the "total income" is negative. (in parentheses, signifying a loss). Both my dad and mom work, but it shows that for 2011 we have losses. How do I determine what income range to choose? Do I choose a different value from another line on the income tax return form? Thanks in advance.</p>
<p>Typically it is “Adjusted Gross Income”, or it could be the total of Salaries and Wages. For applications, it is not that critical. For Financial Aid, they will say which number they want.</p>
<p>If the number is negative, then it is negative (or $0).</p>