<p>This is really getting me stressed and anxious. I applied to 7 colleges, all accepted. But my top two colleges haven't gave me my financial package yet and it will be just two weeks away until May 1st! One of the colleges, Lewis & Clark, informed me that I still need to submit a copy of step dad's income tax and W2s. Two weeks ago, I was confirmed that everything is good to go and I'll be able to expect my financial aid in a week. This week came and nothing.....but another notice about submitting tax return and W2s from my step dad. Thing is, my step dad never filed his (maybe he's not required to? because he's unemployed?). Now I'm stuck and its really giving me a lot of stress. I'm on the verge of breaking down since I have no idea what else to do next. The forms are unavailable and I've already emailed Lewis & Clark about this. Hopefully I can find some answers, but does anyone here know what to do in my situation?</p>
<p>Call financial aid and talk to them. Has your mother filed jointly with your stepfather? If so, then "her" tax returns should be sufficient. Or does she file "married, filing separately"? Does your FAFSA show that your stepfather has no income? Does the Profile? Double-check all your other filings and make sure that what you say to the financial aid office is confirmed by your other documents. And then talk to them.</p>
<p>I believe that my mom filed seperately for her tax returns and in my FAFSA, i put that my step dad's income is 0. Now today I just learned that my mom is divorcing my step dad soon (probably this month). Should I give this latter piece of information to the college or wait until there's an actualy divorce?</p>
<p>Call the financial aid department and tell them that, and also tell them that your step-father is unemployed, has no income, and did not file taxes for that reason. I think what's kind of odd is that your mom filed separately -- since with a spouse who had no income it would probably be more advantageous to file jointly -- but it could be with the pending divorce that there are other reasons for the separate filing.</p>
<p>I am sure that if you actually talk to someone at financial aid in person you will get a better sense of where things stand.</p>