<p>I stopped living with my mother over 12 months ago(family problems) and moved with my Dad. My parents are divorced and their annual incomes are on different sides of the spectrum. My mother makes >140k and my father makes <60k. My problem is that my Mom does not want to claim me as her "dependent" and she says says she is not legally able to because I have not lived with her for over a year. Also, to make things worse, I don't know if my Father is going to file for a tax return this year(he is self employed and is doing really crappy). What am i to do? I'm not even sure he filed last year so I don't know how we he could claim me as a dependent. </p>
<p>I do not fit the criteria for an independent student. Is there anyway to request a special circumstance? As of right now, I buy all of my own food and help with bills such as phone/internet bills. I work part time, 20-25 hours/week. Is there any chance of this being a possibility? </p>
<p>If I talk my dad into actually filing, I would be thrilled because I would rather be filed under my Dad's income than my mom's which is over 100k. </p>
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<p>I don't know if my Father is going to file for a tax return this year(he is self employed and is doing really crappy). >></p>
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<p>First...even if your dad's business is doing "crappy", he should be filing a return.</p>
<p>Second...you are not an independent student for financial aid purposes just because no one is declaring you on their taxes. Finaid independence is VERY different than tax independence.</p>
<p>Third...I'm not sure what your basis would be for being an independent student. Just because you work and earn money does not make you independent for financial aid purposes. Lots of kids have tried this...it doesn't work.</p>
<p>You do not meet any criteria for a dependency override. </p>
<p>As you have lived with your Dad the last 12 months he would be the one you would put on FAFSA. However he will need to complete a tax return (if required by law) or you will not be eligible for aid.</p>
<p>Alright, so he is going to file after I showed how important this is. To estimate his tax return/income, can we use his taxes from two years ago and then edit the FAFSA after he gets it back?</p>
<p>You can. However, if there is a major difference in income compared to 2 years ago it would be better to try and make the estimate as close as possible to the current situation. Bit you can estimate then correct later.</p>
<p>Are you only applying to FAFSA only schools? Is your dad remarried which would make his spouse's info count too? If you are applying to schools that require Profile, your mother's income/assets will come into play too.</p>