A question about FAFSA

[CrisDonlon]

Hey all,

 

I just want a little clarity about filing FAFSA as an upcoming graduate student (I start in the Fall).

During the year of 2012 I was a full-time undergraduate student and technically a dependent, so my parents claimed me on their taxes (I don't make enough income to file taxes).  For the 2013-2014 FAFSA I am listed as an independent since I am a graduate student, and I have the option to include my parents' tax information like I have had to do in the past a dependent.

 

I am just making sure, since I was claimed as a dependent for last year, but am now having to do FAFSA as an independent for this upcoming school year, that's okay to do, right?  I just want to make sure I'm not doing anything illegal or something haha.  If anyone can shed light on my slight confusion, I'd really appreciate it!

[ridofme]

Try the FAFSA live chat help:

 

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/contact.htmhttp://www.fafsa.ed.gov/contact.htm

 

I had a different question when filling out my FAFSA, and they responded within 3 or 4 minutes. Best part was that I then had the answer in writing, to keep for my records/future reference. With something as important as this, you want to get responses directly from the source, not the anonymous Internet masses. Good luck.

[n_psych]

I know that when you say you are a graduate student in the application it automatically says you are independent. I think you should definitely ask them directly. 

[CrisDonlon]

Try the FAFSA live chat help:

 

http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/contact.htmhttp://www.fafsa.ed.gov/contact.htm

 

I had a different question when filling out my FAFSA, and they responded within 3 or 4 minutes. Best part was that I then had the answer in writing, to keep for my records/future reference. With something as important as this, you want to get responses directly from the source, not the anonymous Internet masses. Good luck.

Thanks for this, I will definitely get in contact with them.

[queenleblanc]

Check independent vs dependent status- I think if your parents are still claiming you (available until age 26, I think), you are technically dependent. I would call and ask. For my first masters degree, I was claimed by my parents,so my mother did the FAFSA for me, as their tax information was relevant. Obviously now, returning to school after having worked six years, I am considered independent.

[CrisDonlon]

I was able to contact them, tax filing and FAFSA filing are not connected in anyway according to them, so though I am a claimed as a dependent, I may file FAFSA as an independent.  

[queenleblanc]

Glad they we able to answer that question! It feels good to move forward on the incessant amount of paperwork for school!