<p>Kelsmom and Thumper1: Thank you both for your replies. You have no idea how much it means to me. </p>
<p>The reason I bring my Dad into the picture is because my Dad files his income tax 1040A “married filing jointly.” With that said, if he files jointly with my Mom even though it is not her income…does that mean that I have to put the tax info from my Dad’s 1040A and answer “yes, will file” for my Mom? And use his tax info to fill out all of the tax questions on the FASFA? </p>
<p>That is the part I don’t get. </p>
<p>I contacted FASFA and was told by a rep that I do not put down my Dad’s info only my Mom’s information.
But then I contacted a college advisor some days ago by email, and he told me that I have to put down my Dad’s info because my parents file jointly and so technically, my Dad’s income tax info is the same for my Mom even though she is not the one that works. And that because the colleges will doubt that I am telling the truth and will do a verification. I have no problem with a verification. The advisor though, told me that a verification process is a pain in the rear and nothing but headaches. </p>
<p>Today, my Mom contacted a CPA. She explained the situation. And the CPA told her that most definately, I have to put down my Dad’s tax info because of the joint return under both parents. He told her that the only way to not have to put my Dad’s information down is if my Dad files a “married filing separate.” I asked my Dad and he said that financially, it is not and option and my Mom agrees. As it is, he does not make much, so I totally understand as to why he wants to keep filing jointly. </p>
<p>I don’t know what to do: Some say…yes, you have to put down your Dad’s info etc…
Some say no, you do not have to. </p>
<p>I forgot to say to OhMomOf2: My Dad does pay a form of child support. As part of their agreement, he pays for the rent and utilities, but this is not court order though. My parents are not legally separated. I sometimes wish that they were. I don’t mean to sound mean, but it would avoid this nonsence.</p>
<p>Once more…with vigor. If your parents are separated AND you live with your mom better than 50% of the time, you put ONLY your MOM’S financial information on the FAFSA. You need to include any child support/alimony but you do not put your DAD’s income or assets on the FAFSA form. </p>
<p>Your parents’ tax filing status does NOT MATTER. It doesn’t. If your mom’s earned income and paid taxes are really $0, then that is what you put. Just don’t forget to include that money paid to her by your dad in the appropriate spot.</p>
<p>Clearly, if you are asked to provide tax returns, your “income” will look different as it was ALL earned by your dad. You will likely be verified for this reason because your tax return and your income listed on the FAFSA are different. You will need to be able to provide EVIDENCE (that would be your dad’s W-2 forms) that all of the income earned in 2012 was your DAD’s income. </p>
<p>In addition, you will likely be asked to provide documentation that your father is maintaining a separate residence…that could include lease agreement, utility bills in his name at this address, etc…to verify that the parents ARE indeed separated.</p>
<p>Are they “just living apart” for convenience, or is there a divorce pending?</p>
<p>I hope Kelsmom sees this…again. </p>
<p>The college advisor and CPA are not correct, in my opinion, regarding completion of the FAFSA…which clearly mandates reporting custodial parent info ONLY when the parents are separated or divorced.</p>
<p>P.S. Verification is NOT a PITA. The schools(s) will ask you for specific information. All YOU need to do is get it to them in a timely fashion. We were verified FOUR times…FOUR (and for a kid who got no need based aid…whatever!). We got a list from the university of what they wanted, and we sent it IMMEDIATELY.</p>
<p>(1) It would make no difference if your parents were legally separated. None. So there’s no point to your parents going through the expense and aggravation of doing that.</p>
<p>(2) You’re submitting the FAFSA form to FAFSA - so that’s who you listen to.</p>
<p>College advisors do the best they can, but they are not experts on everything, and can sometimes be mistaken. And CPAs are often unfamiliar with the financial aid process . . . understanding of FAFSA is not required for certification as a CPA!</p>
<p>The advice you’ve gotten here is sound. You were told to do what FAFSA told you to do - and that’s correct.</p>
<p>PLEASE listen to us!!! Show this to your mom - it’s the Handbook used by financial aid officers - it is the Bible for the profession, and guides everything the financial aid office does. It is published by the ones who enforce the rules - the Department of Education. <a href=“http://ifap.ed.gov/fsahandbook/attachments/1213AVG.pdf:[/url]”>http://ifap.ed.gov/fsahandbook/attachments/1213AVG.pdf:</a> page AVG-13, “can’t use IRS retrieval if separated;” page AVG-29, “reporting information in cases of separation;” page AVG-79, “need copies of all W-2s;” page AVG-86, “Separating the income.”</p>
<p>With all due respect to the college advisor and the CPA, they don’t know what they are talking about. I have dealt with these cases, as have most financial aid professionals. We know how it works.</p>
<p>I showed my Mom this information. Her and I finally get it =D. It gets confusing when others who are certified and/or educated about IRS info and college info come back and say different. </p>
<p>I told my Mom about the verification and she said that it is no problem as long as I do not get affected by it, say I ahve to take time out of my school etc…and I am able to fax or mail in requested forms. I told her that it will be ok, we put her down as required, and wait to get verified and then submit papers when asked…and then pray that everythign will be just fine. </p>
<p>FINALLY! I can finally focus 100% on college apps. </p>
<p>THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! If I could, I would give you all a big ol’ hug, but since I can’t…here’s a cyber hug from me to you (((((((((((((( ))))))))))))))))))))))</p>
<p>May God continue to bless your mind and soul!</p>
<p>Just one more thing…for schools requiring the Profile…your mom will complete the Profile with HER information…and if the school requires it, your dad will complete the noncustodial parent Profile with HIS information.</p>
<p>As Happymom said, many Profile schools do not require the NCP form. However, you need to read each finaid website. Some schools have their own form which asks for NCP information.</p>