<p>if a college asks for the student's own 2008 tax returns, but the student doesnt have one bc he/she didn't file, should the applicant just not send anything in? or should he/she write a letter to explain?</p>
<p>If you did not file because you were not required to file (earned income under $5450 for a dependent - other more complicated rules for unearned income), then write a note explaining that.</p>
<p>If you should have filed you will not get any federal aid awarded until you do file.</p>
<p>Go to the financial aid page on the college website. Look for forms & see if there is a form for non tax filers. If there is no form, check around the website to see if there is something re: non tax filers. If not, call & find out what they want you to send. They may want a signed statement that you are a non tax filer, along with info about the amount of money you earned during the year.</p>