<p>Ok here it goes my mom has lived with her boyfriend (I call him dad) for 9 years I have a little sister and he is her bio dad and they also raise my nephew who is 8 and is autistic. My mom stopped working about 5 years ago due to taking care of my nephew and her boyfriend started claiming me on his taxes along with the other kids. How do I deal with this on my FASFA app? I cant find anything on fasfa website that helps with this question.</p>
<p>What is the confusion? You mother is not married to the boyfriend, so he is not your dad and so he does not show up on the FAFSA. Nor does his income, and only his assets that are joint with your mohter. You and your sister are dependents of your mother. Your nephew is a dependent if he qualifies by definition of FAFSA. That your mother’s boyfriend declares you as his dependent on taxes means nothing in terms of FAFSA. He can do that if he is supporting you by IRS rules, but that has nothing to do with FAFSA rules. Your birth dad could be reporting you and if he is not the parent you live with the most , it doesn’t matter either. FAFSA and tax forms do not have to mesh exactly because there are different rules for them in some areas.</p>
<p>Where there is a direct check between the forms is for income for your mom. DOes she file taxes? If not , a non filer form needs to be completed, most likley. Because her income figures do have to mesh with what is on HER tax form. But what is on her boyfriend’s tax form, your dad’s tax form, doesn’t matter.</p>
<p>Also…of your mom really has zero income, it is highly likely your FAFSA will be selected for verification. SO…make sure that you file it ASAP after February 1. Your mom should either complete her taxes by then…OR she should complete the non-filers statement if she is not required to file.</p>
<p>The reason I say you will likely be verified is that the college is going to want to know how your family pays its bills with NO income. Be prepared to give them a well documented response.</p>