<p>I am trying to go to college and filed for financial aide. I am 22 years old and just moved back in with my mom so I can focus more on my studies. She has not filed her taxes yet and I can't even take out a federal loan with out completing the FAFSA. All I am waiting on is for her to file her taxes so I can turn in her tax return. I beg and beg her to file her taxes and she constantly says she "will work on it this week." It never gets done. I ask her why she hasn't and all she tells me is it's her prerogative. I didn't get to go to school this fall semester because of her and I really want to enroll in the spring semester. Any suggestions on what I can do?</p>
<p>I assume she filed an extension for 2012. The deadline for her to file is October 15 (so in about 6 weeks). I am not sure how that would work for taking out a loan for 2nd semester once she actually files. </p>
<p>The thing is that it is her prerogative under the tax code to delay. But it screws you for getting loans for fall semester if she doesn’t do it, right? So while she is legally within bounds, it is damaging your ability to complete your education. Seems really selfish to me… You could end up in the same situation next year, too. :(</p>
<p>She has not filed for an extension. She just hasn’t filed her taxes. Help?</p>
<p>Why don’t you pay someone to do her taxes for her?</p>
<p>Actually, she is required to file taxes if she earned above a certain amount. She can decide,she doesn’t want to file…but then she will be subject to penalties and interest when she does…and you are right…you cannot collect federally funded aid either.</p>
<p>If you go pay a visit to the financial aid office at your college, you can speak with the director, and find out what it is that you must do to file the FAFSA without your mother’s information. You will be able to borrow an unsubsidized student loan, but that will be it. </p>
<p>If you are attending a community college, an unsubsidized student loan will probably cover your tuition and fees, and all you will need to come up with will be money for your books, transportation, and living expenses. A part-time job might cover most of that, especially if you can live with your mom without paying rent.</p>
<p>Isn’t there something the mom can sign saying she refuses to provide her financial info and then the student can get unsub loans? </p>
<p>I think Kelsmom may know how/if this is possible.</p>
<p>I don’t think it’s that simple.</p>
<p>Some possible options:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>See if you can get a full ride merit scholarship somewhere (see the sticky threads at the top of this forum section).</p></li>
<li><p>Wait until you are 24 to attend college. When you are 24, you are no longer dependent on your mother for college financial aid purposes.</p></li>
<li><p>Attend a low cost community college for two years, then transfer to a four year school to complete your bachelor’s degree (you will be 24 by transfer time if you are 22 now).</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Unfortunately, if your mom won’t file her taxes, you will not be able to honestly say that she filed. If you are required to directly transfer your parent tax info, you will not be able to do so … and you will not be able to provide a tax transcript, since there were no taxes filed. The school will not be allowed to give you aid, per federal regulations. You cannot file without parent info to get unsub loans only. This option is only available to students whose parents have cut them off entirely, and the parents must sign a document stating that they provide no support to the student whatsoever … including housing, insurance, or other support. Even when this is the case, the student only becomes eligible for unsub loans at the dependent year-in-school amount … no Pell, SEOG, or other aid (and most likely, no institutional aid).</p>
<p>Thanks for the details kelsmom! I stand corrected.</p>
<p>actionjackson3 -</p>
<p>Is your father in the picture at all? Did you have any contact with him in 2012? If you spent more time with him than with your mom, you could use him for your parent on the FAFSA.</p>
<p>Does your mother have some kind of mental health problem? </p>
<p>I wonder if you can change the dialogue here, from one of nagging to one of talking about the big picture. It seems she says she will do it and then is unable for some reason. Some people are paralyzed by paperwork. Then you nag and she shuts down and says it is her prerogative.</p>
<p>I wonder if you can sit down and ask to talk about your schooling. Talk about how you are ready to go and ask if she supports you in that. Then talk about what kind of aid you are eligible for. Explain the numbers. Ask her if you two can put aside a couple of hours to fill in the tax form together. If not, ask her what is at the heart of the matter. Is she afraid of owing? Is she just a mess because of alcohol, drug or mental health issues? What support does she need to fill it out? Is she afraid because she didn’t file the previous year? It is better to try to get it done than to just go on and let the IRS catch up with you. Maybe she gets a refund, who knows? Best to find out and deal with it.</p>
<p>FYI: While she may be required to file, the penalty for failure to file is based upon the unpaid taxes. If she is entitled to a refund, then there is no penalty for failure to file, other than she doesn’t get the refund.</p>
<p>FYI2: even if taxes owed/refund is $0, it is still better to file. That starts the 3 year clock on getting audited. If she never files, then the IRS can audit 2012 any time in the future.</p>