<p>Hey guys, this is great isn't it? I've done FAFSA twice now, but this year I turn 24.</p>
<p>In the past, I applied as a dependent since I live with my mother - sometimes I was a dependent on the taxes, sometimes not (whatever made more sense at the time). However, this year I'm curious how to do the fafsa since I'm now going to be 24. </p>
<p>Will it be ok to just say I'm now independent as that's how it goes? I still live at home, and I <em>could</em> be considered dependent on the tax return, but if being 24 automatically makes me considered independent, then I will definitely have my mom file her return as such. </p>
<p>You don’t get to “say” you are dependent or otherwise. You answer the dependency questions and FAFSA determines your status from your answers. If you are turning 24 this year you will be considered independent.</p>
<p>Being a dependent or not on someones taxes is irrelevant for dependency status.</p>
<p>Dependency on the FAFSA has nothing to do with dependency on your or your mother’s tax returns.</p>
<p>If you are turning 24 this year, that means, you are an independent student for FAFSA. The actual question is “Were you born before January 1, 1988?” If you are turning 24 this year that means you were born in 1987, which means that you are indeed an independent student for the FAFSA.</p>
<p>However, your mother can still claim you as a dependent on her tax return if you meet the requirements for that. Your age has nothing to do with that; that has to do with whether she’s supporting you.</p>
Thanks!</p>