<p>Hello. I was wondering what to do because my parents won't fill out the fafsa. They are nice people but have great difficulty performing certain tasks, such as filling out the fafsa. What options do I have? Any advice/input is greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>If the reason they won’t fill it out is because they find it difficult, then ask them if they would give you their tax documents and other necessary financial information. You could probably do it yourself, perhaps with some assistance from someone in your school counseling office (I know at our school there is help for parents and students with this), or at the financial aid office of your local community college (even if you’re not applying there, they are often helpful).</p>
<p>It’s not that difficult to do. You can even ask questions here on CC, and there are lots of knowledgeable people who can help you.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. There are problems with back taxes and such. It’s a bit complicated. They have had a lawyer try to help them, but have since pretty much given up. I doubt they would be able to supply the necessary documents. Am I totally out of luck?</p>
<p>Well, I don’t know if the back taxes issue would even enter into it. You will just need their tax information for the current year.</p>
<p>Are you planning to attend college starting the fall of 2010? In that case, you’ll only need their 2009 tax info.</p>
<p>I don’t know of a way to apply for aid without filing a FAFSA. You might try posting your question in the Financial Aid forum here on CC. There are some very knowledgeable people over there, including at least 2 people that work in college financial aid offices. If there’s any other option, they’ll know about it. But I’m doubtful. :(</p>
<p>If the problems with ‘back taxes and such’ is that they have not been filing tax returns then you do have a problem. If they are required to file a tax return (ie their income is high enough that they are required to) and they do not file one then you will not be able to get any federal financial aid. Although FAFSA allows you to initially enter estimated income and tax data and mark it ‘will file’, they are required to actually file a return and update the FAFSA tax return status to ‘filed’ before you can get any federal financial aid. </p>
<p>I believe there is a procedure now where they can sign something saying they refuse to file FAFSA. This will make you eligible for unsubsidized Stafford loans ($5500 for a freshman) but not for any other federal aid such as grants. As 'rent said, post in the financial aid forum. Hopefully Kelsmom or Nikkil (both FA officers in real life) will see your post and chime in. </p>
<p>If they owe back taxes but are still up to date with filing their returns then you should still be eligible to file for for aid through FAFSA despite the back taxes.</p>