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When filling out my FAFSA for law school, it designated me as an "'independent' student." If I submit the form, will my dad no longer be able to declare me as his dependent on his tax form?

He'll be able to claim you as a dependent and even take advantage of your educational tax breaks.

You'll be independent for federal student aid purposes. (You want to be, so do this, because you'll have a lower EFC.)

You'll still be dependent for federal tax purposes as long as he provides more than half of your support. See IRS Publication 501.

I'm a CPA... feel free to PM me if you have other questions.

I was wondering the same thing, I was told that for grad programs your considered independant although they may still request your parents information.

liltay357 wrote:I was wondering the same thing, I was told that for grad programs your considered independant although they may still request your parents information.

You are for FAFSA purposes. Some schools (of the ones I applied to, Cornell, Penn, and Vandy) require you to submit additional information about your parents, but under no circumstances would I put it in there for the FAFSA. The parental information - if needed - will come through on the need access form.

theantiscalia wrote:He'll be able to claim you as a dependent and even take advantage of your educational tax breaks.

You'll be independent for federal student aid purposes. (You want to be, so do this, because you'll have a lower EFC.)

You'll still be dependent for federal tax purposes as long as he provides more than half of your support. See IRS Publication 501.

I'm a CPA... feel free to PM me if you have other questions.

Problem solved, thank you for your help!