<p>Have you explained this to her? That you won’t get aid without her help? Does she not WANT you to go to college? If it ends up she doesn’t have to pay anything, I’m wondering WHY she’s saying this. Seems like you have to get to the “real deal” to make head way. All the suggestions on here sound great. With an EFC of zero, filing taxes should be pretty easy. Does she have her W-2 (from income/salary/earnings). Do you rent or own a home? If a home - see if she has her 1098 to show taxes she paid, and any 1099s (if you have any savings accounts). There is much more to it, unless there are a lot more complications. But…I’m guessing there aren’t. You just answer a couple of pages of questions and you’re done. AT that income, she’ll probably get a refund. Maybe she’s worried she’ll owe taxes this year. If memory serves, you STILL have to pay what you estimate to be due (or face penalties) even if you file for an extension. So - maybe start with explaining this is the ONLY way you can get aid, and asking WHY (in a nice way), and offering to do anything possible to help.</p>