My grand daughter lives with me. She is going to be 21 in Feb. She filed her first tax return on her own this year. In the past her mother has claimed her however she doesn't live with her mother. This past season 2009 to file for 2008, her mother didn't file because she did some quick calculations and found she owed money. So she didn't file. As I stated my grand daughter lives with me and has for about 2yrs now. Can I turn in my tax return for the FAFSA since her mother didn't file and until the IRS catches up with her will not file. I have gone over to her home and sat down with her and explained the guidelines of FAFSA that they need her tax information but she doesn't seem to care. My grand daughter wants to go to school but without doing the FAFSA she can't get any sort of loan. I am not co-signing or doing any sort of personal loans for her. She is not responsible with money in the least. One reason she lives with me among others. She only works p/t because she has no education to get a better job. I can't pay for her schooling and I know her mother can't either. The father is not in the picture and hasn't been since age 1. The goal is to get her in school but since she lives with me can I use my tax return? Is that possible? She isn't a ward and I am not her guardian as she is 21 years of age.

Thank you for any direction. We are not a rich family and can't afford to pay for her schooling. This is why we told her from grade 8 to do her homework and get good grades so she could get a scholarship. But she choose to blow it all off. Now all her friends are almost graduated in their choosen professions and she feels left behind. Amazing how kids know everything huh? She graduated HS by the skin of her teeth, a 2.1 GPA. So she doesn't qualify for any scholarships. I just hope if an answer is out there for her to start she will do better in college. Another reason I will not co-sign a loan for her since she is far too irresponsible. Thank you!!!!

Unfortunately, a foster parent, legal guardian, grandparent or other relative is not treated as a paarent for purposes of filing a FAFSA unless the person has legally adopted the applicant. Therefore, you would have to use her mother's information which I understand would be difficult. Hopefully you can find all of the answers to your FAFSA questions here: http://www.fafsaonline.com/printable-fafsa-form/FAFSA-Help-Guide-ebook.pdf

Hope this helps and good luck.