My only income right now is SSI. Since this is not taxable income, I believe I don’t have to file a 1040 this year. However, would it be advisable to file the 1040 anyway, because of the FAFSA? Can I not file but still fill out the FAFSA? Thanks.
Yes, you can complete the FAFSA without filing taxes.
You should note that universities treat SSI different from SSDI. Filing a FAFSA without filing taxes often results in verification, but if you a low income (i.e. SSI/SSDI) this usually doesn’t happen. My father gets SSDI and files a tax return even though he has a “0” AGI just to make certain there are no questions.
It won’t matter whether or not you file a tax return. If you are selected for verification, you will simply turn in whatever the school requests. And if you are going to be selected for verification in your circumstances, you’d be selected regardless of whether or not you filed a tax return - it wouldn’t be the lack of a return that prompted verification.