Question
My parents no longer claim me on their taxes. Am I considered independent?
Answer
Your answers to questions on the FAFSA determine your dependency status for financial aid purposes. Filing your own taxes does not make you independent for financial aid purposes.
If you do not meet the criteria to be considered independent but have unusual circumstances, you should contact the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid to discuss your options and next steps.
For more information about a student’s dependency status visit studentaid.gov.