<p>My sister and I have been in this position many times over. Our parents did document everything, though never in a timely fashion.</p>
<p>College financial aid offices may be willing to work something out with her on an individual basis. They may have an alternative form she can fill out, they may ask her to provide other forms of documentations -- pay stubs, lease agreements, etc. </p>
<p>It's possible to file the FAFSA and CSS/Profile (since she's looking at private LACs) without having tax returns ready; this happens often. She should fill out the FAFSA and CSS Profile as early as possible (there will be a lot of questions) and to the best of her abilities. She will probably be "randomly" audited, and should be prepared for this.</p>