Determine your dependent status. The FAFSA requires a student who is considered a dependent to submit the application with their parents' financial data. Nondependent students must be either older than 24; married; a member or veteran of the armed forces; working on a master's or doctorate degree; have children and provide support to them at least half the time; be an emancipated minor; a homeless youth; have deceased parents since age 13; or be considered a ward of the court or in foster care.
Gather the necessary documentation to fill out the FAFSA as an independent student. You will need your Social Security number, W-2s, federal income tax return, bank statements, investments and other income records.
Complete and submit the application online at the FAFSA website. Do not skip any sections. Your information will be processed and sent to the school where you have indicated you plan to enroll.
Educate your parents on the FAFSA, explaining that they will not be responsible for paying for your college education. Their financial information is only used to determine your aid options.
Complete and submit the FAFSA without your parents' financial information if they refuse to provide it. Include any financial documents of yours. You still may be eligible for unsubsized Stafford loans from the government and aid from your school.
Submit a notarized statement to your school's financial aid office that lets them know your parents won't be providing any financial support for you. Ideally, your parents should sign. If they refuse, it can be signed by your clergy, a teacher or a counselor.
Follow up with your school's financial aid office to confirm the statement was received as well as to answer any questions the representative may have about your financial situation.