You are already in college? What is your age?
Yes there are people with low incomes. However, if they paid a couple of thousand in taxes that they could get back, they’d file to get that money back.
The main reason he says he doesn’t want to file, is so he files all at once and gets a larger lump sum, as he’s done in the past. When I said doesn’t want to file for personal reasons, I meant 2017 specifically, because that’s what fafsa is asking for at this moment. I also think that he is scared we would get robbed again, since he’s used to people doing things like that, whether or not it’s irrational (we live in a better city than we did before).
You can file taxes whenever you want, but the FAFSA doesn’t wait for the time to be right, or for it to be save to have cash in your house (that doesn’t have to happen either).
The bottom line is, for FAFSA, it is easier to qualify for aid if you can file taxes on schedule and can get the FAFSAs in early. If your father wants to help you, he needs to file. He can get tax transcripts or statement of non-filer, but those take more work and time. I think you will get more aid if you file as early as you can get school funds, SEOG, etc. You also have to report any amounts you made, whether or not you file your taxes on schedule.
Because you are due a refund isn’t a valid reason that you would not be required to file a tax return. But, it’s true that if you aren’t required to file a tax return you will not be subject to a penalty for not filing, even if you are entitled to a refund. The government will be happy to keep money that really belongs to you if for whatever reason you don’t ask for it back; and they certainly won’t impose a penalty on you for not asking.
Does your dad have a savings or checking account at a bank or credit union? He can have the refund go directly there by electronic transfer. No one would ever know except him that the money has arrived there.
So then…what IS your question? You seem to have all the answers.
If your dad is not required to file a tax return, then he WILL need to get a non-filers form from the IRS. Your colleges will require this.
And regardless…you still report his income on your FAFSA or Profile forms.
The question was plainly stated as can I still get financial aid if my father doesn’t file taxes? Many other people had asked questions on information besides the point which is why I have answers. I answered their questions, why wouldn’t I? I’ve found helpful the people who actually answered my questions and provided answers for people that had more questions.
If he could have claimed you as a dependent and filed head of household, he might have received a refund of most of the federal tax withheld, maybe state tax as well, might also have received an earned income tax credit.
He should find the closest VITA volunteer tax assistance office and bring W2 forms for the past three years, and see if he can still file for 2015, 2016 and 2017 and get tax refunds.
That money can benefit him or help pay for college. There is help filing your taxes that can be low cost or free.
Online he could e-file with the Turbotax Freedom Edition for example for free if AGI was under $30,000 I believe.
There are other companies that offer free online tax filing too, do a search for “IRS free file”.
I help my kids with their tax return, they earn $3,000-$5,000 a year working in the summer or part time.
They still get a refund of taxes withheld from their paycheck.
Thank you!
If your dad would qualify to get all of his withholding refunded for last year, he could apply for a withholding exemption for this year, where no federal tax is withheld from his check.
Make sure you report your income honestly on the FAFSA as well. Did you file a tax return?
If you are in college already, how did you file FAFSA in the past with the tax issue?
In 2016, he made less than $6,000 since he was my grandmother’s primary caregiver that year and we also had her pension. He was fine to not file taxes, and we also reported my grandmother’s pension as a part of help from others (when you make too little, they ask you other sources of income). I’ve filed my taxes also and reported it on the fafsa, along with how much I got for scholarships.
Is it okay to dm you to ask more questions?
Sure, if you are asking if you can DM me.
It is better to file for tax refund every year.
It’s the same money whether he gets $3,000 back for one year or $9,000 for three.
Tax laws can change.
Thank you.
What year did you start collegem Under age 24? Anerican opportunity tax credit?
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-you-by-volunteers
Information about free volunteer tax preparation. You should be able to search for an office near you.
Ok, so your dad is willing to file since he has in the past. When is the last time he filed? What year??
As for getting a larger sum, sounds like he hasn’t filed for at least a couple of years, so wouldn’t getting $4k+ back at one time be a nice lump sum? Surely you can all use that money for various needs. Right?
And he doesn’t have to cash it right away if he’s worried about being robbed. Can’t he open a bank account? If so, he can deposit the money in there for safekeeping. He can put it in a savings acct.
Have you explained to your dad that you can’t get aid without being able to file FAFSA? And you need to file FAFSA using his tax info?? What does he want you to do after high school???