More than a million students drop out yearly due to financial constraints. Low and average-income families face multiple money issues when their kids are ready for college.
You might wonder whether financial aid is your only solution for your tuition fees. Or even ask yourself, ‘Can I get financial aid without filing taxes? Are only taxpayers and their kids permitted financial aid?
Yes, it is possible to get financial aid without paying taxes. Many families are exempted from paying taxes in the United States. But let’s try and understand financial aid and its terms and conditions better in this blog.
You can make better decisions about your child’s education with details about Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Check out Beem Tax Calculator to get a quick and accurate estimate of your federal and state tax refund for free.
Can I get financial aid without filing taxes?
Students in the U.S. can apply for financial aid, such as FAFSA, without filing taxes. It is helpful for students whose parents either have low income, so their tax is exempted, or who do not live in the U.S. to file for taxes. Even if your parents fail to pay taxes, there is a slight probability that you might get accepted for this financial aid.
What if I didn’t file taxes? Can I still apply for financial aid?
Yes, even if you or your parents do not file taxes, you might get this financial aid. Some people in the U.S. are exempted from paying taxes for various reasons. Some families are tax-exempt; some might reside outside the U.S., and some might have failed to file taxes due to financial constraints, learn more
If your parents fail to file taxes, you might still benefit from FAFSA. Still, if you were supposed to file taxes and fail to file a tax return, you won’t be eligible for this financial aid.
Do state financial aid programs have different requirements for tax filing?
The following requirements must be met to qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid:
- The applicant must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
- Social Security numbers are mandatory (except for students from the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau).
- Applicants must be enrolled in a school that is eligible at least half-time.
- The academic progress you make must be satisfactory.
- You must submit the FAFSA.
If you need more clarification about the process, consult a tax professional or seek online assistance.
Is it possible to receive financial aid for college without filing taxes?
A FAFSA can be filed without a tax return if you meet specific government guidelines. By providing tax return information, FAFSA helps the government determine your eligibility for financial aid. To access it, you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
Students who are their parents’ dependents must obtain information from their parents’ tax returns. You may also need to file your income tax return if you have income. Despite your parent’s citizenship status, you’re still eligible for financial aid even if they didn’t submit a federal tax return.
What if my family’s financial situation has changed since we filed taxes?
The FAFSA form can be adjusted if your financial situation changes so that you qualify for additional aid. The steps are as follows:
- Follow all instructions on the FAFSA application.
- Fill out the FAFSA form as per your current financial situation.
- You should contact the school’s financial assistance office if your financial situation has changed.
An adjustment can be made to your financial aid award based on your or your family’s current income.
Read the guide about Financial Plans for Your Future
What should I do if my parents refuse to file taxes or provide financial information for the FAFSA?
It is challenging to balance academics and finances when attending college. Sometimes, parents might refuse to provide financial information for any financial aid. You might find your parents uncomfortable sharing financial information with you for various reasons. Some of these are:
- Divorced couples might find it painful to share income details with ex-spouses.
- Parents who fail to file for taxes might also want to keep information about their finances private.
One should collect easily collectible information first. These documentations include:
- Your social security number
- Income tax return
- Records of untaxed income (like interest income or child support)
- Accounts for other assets (like investment accounts and real estate)
You can then talk to the financial aid office at your school to convince your parents. In worst-case scenarios, you can also get a dependency override if you are 24 plus years of age and are financially independent.
Checkout: Criteria for Tax Dependent
In conclusion, the answer to the question, ‘Can I get financial aid without filing taxes?’ is yes, you can. You need to do your research to understand your options. Remember, if you need guidance, you can choose to file personal tax returns on Beem.
