is it possible to file independent at 20yrs old?

Question

i am an african american student leaving for school in may i and i know both my parents make 2 much money and i only have my dads tax information and my mom has yet to file and i dont think shes going to get around to it any time soon so seeing that they arent the ones going to school is it possible for me to file myself using my own income tax return?

Answer 1

You are required to provide Parental information. If you mom has yet to file you can use her W-2's and estimate. Once she files, you would update your information.



Being self supporting never rules out having to provide parental information. That rule went out more than 15 years ago.



Don't rule out that you won't qualify for aid because your parents make " too much money". You may be surprised. And if they do make "too much money" and it disqualifies you for a grant, maybe they will use it to help you pay for school as they should.



Further comment: If you want to be able to apply for federal aid it requires your parents tax information, that can be estimated since your mom hasn't filed. It is so important to fill out the FAFSA even if it is with estimated information and soon! State and school deadlines are usually prior to March and it gets you in the selection. You can update later when she files, but at least you are in the selection.



As far as other aid there is a very reliable, no scams website that can help you with scholarship searches and other types of aid that will not require parental information. Never pay for a scholarship search or for financial aid application assistance.



http://www.finaid.org This is a great website. Many financial aid professionals use it frequently.

Answer 2

The answer is simple. No unless you are married or have children. The rules for the department of education state that if you are under 24 and are not married and have no children then you are considered a dependent even if you live by yourself and pay all your bill or files taxes on your own. If you are married or have children then you will be considered independent. Any financial aid advisor will give you the same info in any college or University in the country.

Answer 3

There are ways around filing dependent, but I'm going to guess that they are not applicable to you. First, you'd have to prove you are self-supporting..rent payment receipts, full-time or close to it job, etc. You can ask her for her W-2's so that you have an estimate of what her taxes would be like.



You might even be able to give her a "gift" and file for her. If you go to IRS.gov and click on free file, it's a fairly easy process. Shouldn't take more than an hour or so.