<p>Here's the deal: one of my parents (mom) lives in US with me and works and files tax return (1040A), the other (dad) doesn't live with me in the US and is not a US citizen (obviously doesn't fill out 1040s). My parents are still married. My primary financial support comes from the latter parent.</p>
<p>Since CSS PROFILE for Cornell was due jan 1 for priority, I filed it already. In the box that asked for my parents' adjusted gross income, I just put in estimate from my mom's 1040A in the suggested line. Later when it asked for income of separate parent, I then included the estimated income of my dad. Did I do it wrong? Should I have included my dad's income when it asked for both of my parents' adjusted gross income (it directs you to a specific place in the 1040A form, so I thought I should just use my mom's figures since my dad doesn't fill out 1040s)? in the additional comment section, I did explain my situation and admits that my dad provide most of my financial support. Do you guys think the colleges will understand what I'm trying to get at? In FAFSA, should I do the same as I did in CSS? Or should I include both?</p>
<p>One more question: in CSS PROFILE, I said that I wasn't going to file a tax return (earned less than 8k). But now I'm contemplating to do one anyway. Am I allowed to? Or do I need to contact the colleges? (btw, if I file tax return, can my parent still claim me as a dependent?)</p>
<p>Sorry, that was a butt load. But any help is greatly appreciated.</p>