On application, do they want gross income or what we actually use?

Paying for College
1

<p>Hey guys,</p>

<p>I'm filling out different financial aid applications and they all ask for my family's annual income. I don't know if I'm supposed to use the gross income and then where it says taxes on income to subtract everything to get to the actual money we get, or if I should out the actual income and then in taxes put well, taxes.</p>

<p>This is confusing, I know. I'm sorry. Let me explain.
On my mother's individual tax record, her gross income is $12.643. Her taxable income is $10.385. Her income tax is $1.662 . On the application it asks for "family's total annual income in US dollars". In "mother's earnings", which do I put in? 12.643, 10.385 or 10.385-1.662? There is also a field called "annual income taxes paid". Do I put in just the income tax of 1.662, or do I put that in plus the difference to the gross income? This is so confusing.</p>

<p>Thank you so much!!</p>

2

<p>From what you’ve written, it sounds as if they’re asking for gross income (the $12K) plus untaxed income (ie. child support), then earned income from wages, tips, etc. (which would be the first line with dollar amounts on her tax return), then the income taxes (which might include both federal and state). Aren’t there any other instructions included with this form? I would email the FA office for clarification.</p>

<p>Btw, your mom’s income tax seems high for her income level…doesn’t she qualify for an Earned Income Credit or file as head of household?</p>

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<p>Thank you!
I don’t think she qualifies for anything, we’re from Romania, and I’ve never heard of those things. Here, with that income, we’re considered well off, or at least that’s what the government thinks, hence the high taxes.
She’s a teacher and she doesn’t file taxes as is customary here. The only thing can use is this individual tax record from the school. Dad has a business but his income is 0 as there hasn’t been any profit in two years, so I’m only using mom’s income on the application.</p>

<p>I will email the office, definitely. This is so confusing. I wish I could just send them my documents and let them figure it out hahahaha</p>

4

<p>Oh, I see…the credit and head of household pertain to US tax filers. Good luck!</p>

5

<p>Thank you, I most definitely need it!</p>