I feel for you. When I was applying to CUNY schools (back in the 1970’s), my father actually considered quitting his job so I would get financial aid. He had just recently gotten a job with the City, which had benefits and a pension, so my mom talked him out of that plan. They agreed to provide their financial info for me to file, but refused to pay a penny towards my costs. Maybe you can do that with your parents. Ask them to file honestly, for FAFSA and Excelsior, and tell them that they don’t have to pay for anything your FA doesn’t cover. Then, get a job and open an account at a bank other than where your parents bank. Online tax filing is very easy now. File your own taxes and get your refunds directly deposited. My parents (in my case it was my dad who was the fraudster) stole my tax refunds, too. If your mother asks if you got a refund, LIE!