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[Coolman]

I want to claim my sister as a dependant on my tax return. She makes
almost no money is 22 years old, and I support her. She is applying to
goto Graduate School. This makes her INDEPENDENT according to FAFSA...

If I claim her to be dependant on my taxes will it affect her

a) Aid (free money)
b) Guaranteed Student Loans

Thanks

[Steve Blank]

No affect at all. When filling out the FAFSA, a student is automatically
an independent student when she answers yes to question 49 - "Will you
be working on a master's or doctorate program?". Who claims her as a
dependent is immaterial.

But from the tax side be sure you can legally take her as a tax
dependent. See your tax instructions for the details of who can be
claimed as a dependent. In brief, there are 5 tests that must be met -
she is a relative or she lived with you, does not file a joint return,
is a U.S. citizen, had gross income under $3,050, and you provided over
half her support.

--
Steven B. Blank
College Financial Aid Consultants
29 Ives Hill Court
Cheshire, CT 06410
(203)250-7761

Coolman wrote: