how you claim your taxes does not matter when it comes to financial aid. if you are 25+, married, have a child, or are in the military you qualify as an independent student and would not need to state your parents income at all. but if you cannot say any of those statements are true, you have to include your parents information regardless if they contribute to your education or not. the government expects parents to assist in their children’s education and that is why you arent getting any grants. if they gave everyone grants there wouldnt be enough for the people who really need them. I had to claim dependent status for my entire college career even though I lived on my own, worked full time and completed my own taxes.

It really depends, I tried that once to get fasfa I believe and they said they still base it on your parents income if you are under the age of 25, so that sucked big time. The other thing was if you were under 25 and had a child or you were married then you could base it on your income and taxes alone… I dont know where they get that stuff from… but I tried it I guess maybe a year and a half ago and that was the response I got.

technically, you do have a great shot of getting more financial aide. but you will mess up your health insurance and all of your other services previously covered by your parents. in the long run, i find it easier for everyone if you continue to be claimed on your parents taxes.