What should i do?

Paying for College
1

<p>Ok, I currently reside with my grandparents in Florida. However, they are not Florida residents, thus complicating my college applications for in state tuition purposes. Another huge complication is that I am not "dependent" financially on them. My parents send money from Korea to my Grandparent's bank account and that is how I am supported. How am I suppose to apply for financial aid, through my grandparents or my parents? I have to mention that my Father just gave up his citizenship, and absolutely no one claims me on tax forms. What should I do?</p>

2

<p>Are you a U.S. citizen? How long have you lived with your grandparents?</p>

3

<p>If you parents are sending money for you,
to you or your grandparents or somebody else,
then you are dependent on them. They are
supporting you and will be expected to continue
supporting you through college.</p>

4

<p>yea i am a U.S. citizen. I have lived with my grandparents for about 6 months and will continue to do so until i graduate. Would there be a problem when i apply for financial aid cuz no one claims me in taxes.</p>

5

<p>It is not a complication at all, let alone a huge one. Dependent for tax purposes and dependent for financial aid are two entirely different things. You will have to get your parent's financial information to apply for financial aid (and no, you cannot use your grandparents). It does not matter that your parents do not claim you on their taxes. You are still considered a dependent student (of your parents) for financial aid purposes. (My son is not a dependent for tax purposes because he was working full time for 3 years before returning to school - for FAFSA he is still considered a dependent because he is less than 24).</p>

<p>You will probably run into problems for Instate tuition. Even if your grandparents *were *Florida residents it probably would not benefit you. For tuition purposes your parents residency is what counts. You may find you are not 'In State' for any State.</p>

6

<p>would there be a problem if the only thing i had of his tax forms is his 1040 form from 2006?</p>

7

<p>Yes it will be a problem. You can estimate income based on previous years income but no aid will be paid out until you provide actual 2008 income information.</p>

8

<p>my parents arent going to file a 2008 income tax return. They dont live in the States as of now and my dad is not longer a U.S. citizen. Any other possible ways i can complete the FAFSA form?</p>

9

<p>Just because they don't file a U.S. return doesn't mean they don't have income. Also, if your mother is still a U.S. citizen, she should be filing a return.</p>

10

<p>Your father renounced his citizenship? This has to be done in a particular way to be effective; rules are here: Renunciation</a> of U.S. Citizenship</p>

11

<p>Your parents have some sort of income? You report that and any assets they have. There is an option on FAFSA for if they file a foreign tax return.</p>

12

<p>My mom doesnt have any source of income. Can she file a return on my Father's income? Is my Father obligated to fill out a tax return?</p>

13

<p>I strongly suggest that you talk, face to face, with a college financial aid officer (Hopefully at the school where you hope to attend). They will have experience, or colleagues with experience, to answer your questions. Be honest and complete -- don't hold back or hedge. Above all, don't dodge any questions -- if you don't know the answer, go find out. There are tons of students out there -- the way to earn your spot for financial aid is to be early, transparent and complete. If they think you are trying to use your parents out of country status to dodge your share of the costs, you will surely sink to the bottom of the "need to help" pile.</p>

14

<p>I plan to talk to a financial aid officer asap. However with my problem with FAFSA still remains, my parents decided not to file for a tax return, so the website wont let me complete my application. Would it be unlawful of me to say that the "will file" a tax form?</p>

15

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<p>This isn't going to help you if they don't end up filing. The school will NOT disperse aid to you UNTIL the FAFSA is amended to reflect "taxes completed and filed". If it stays as "will file"...and they don't file...you won't get any aid. This is something the schools cannot do...especially federal aid. My understanding is that it cannot be awarded if the taxes are NOT done.</p>

<p>I'm very confused about your father. Agreed with others...did he renounce his U.S. Citizenship? Regardless...his income would have to be reported somehow. Your mom IS a U.S. Citizen and she should be filing a return if she is working. If she is not working, someone is going to wonder HOW she is paying her (and your) living expenses. Be prepared to explain everything.</p>

16

<p>"the website wont let me complete my application"</p>

<p>You should get a copy of the paper version of the FAFSA. There are instructions for ordering this on the website, and the financial aid office of your closest college/community college/university ought to have a few as well.</p>

<p>Will you graduate from HS in Florida? Some states will grant in-state residence for tuition/fees based on the number of years you attended HS in that state and/or if you graduated from HS in that state. Another factor would be if your parents have awarded some kind of legal custody to your grandparents. All good questions to ask when you meet with a financial aid advisor!</p>

<p>Good luck!</p>