If you are a Dependent Student, you will need your parent’s or guardian’s tax information to complete the FAFSA. You can import this data into your application using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool (see below).
Independent Student
An independent student is one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate or professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, or someone with legal dependents other than a spouse, an emancipated minor or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Get additional information to determine your dependency status.
Dependent Student
A student who does not meet any of the criteria for an independent student.