<p>What happens if I am able to say I (the student) filed an income tax return vs. if I did not? I only have to file an income tax return if I make over $5450 this year. I can severely restrict my hours for the rest of the year in order to NOT go over this amount (I am currently at just over $4000 and will only be $200 to $500 over the threshold without limiting my hours). If I do not file a tax return, will my income not be counted against my CSS/PROFILE EFC? Will my income be counted either way? What is the effect of filing a tax return vs. not filing a tax return? Otherwise I am a zero EFC student.</p>
<p>If not filing a tax return (I will not get money back since I am tax exempt as a minor) will save me on the CSS/PROFILE by not counting my income toward the EFC, I need to do a lot of math and a lot of work to make sure I don’t go over that limit (which is about $5450). Does anyone know the effect of a student filing the tax return on the CSS/PROFILE EFC?</p>