Hi, so heres the deal. My mom works as an under the table maid with about 4 different employers, she does not fill out an income tax report, but my dad does. So should I put that she is unemployed on my application and fafsa when I fill that out? Thank you.
NO. That is a lie. Not to mention that your parents are committing income tax fraud.
So what should I put on it?
Your family’s dilemma now is that if she reports her income on FAFSA, it won’t jibe w your parents’ tax return, thereby exposing the income tax fraud.
Don’t lie about her income, it’s illegal.
I know a few students who’ve lied about their income, it never seems to work out well…
Ask them to fill out a revised tax return. You can go back as far as 3 years (I believe). Then once the tax returns are updated and back taxes are paid, then fill out a FAFSA.
Or you can wait for a few years, living on your own, and declare yourself independent. But you need to live, work and file income tax for yourself. Your parents can’t provide money for you under the table or otherwise. This would remove you from their finances and their false income tax returns. You may be eligible for special programs at some schools if you are fully independent financially. Your income and your income alone would be considered. Because presumably your income alone is lower than your parents’, you may be eligible for more financial aid, becuase your “need” is that much greater.