<p>You need to call North Texas and ask about your aid package. If it is merit-based, they shouldn’t need to look at family income at all.</p>
<p>If your dad “rarely comes home” is he actually supporting your family, or is your mom working and supporting you and herself? If she has income, and she is willing to file, and his absences are extensive enough so that the two of you can consider that they are living in a state of separation (and/or if you know that they were never legally married), then you might be able to use her income for the FAFSA. Think about that.</p>
<p>If either of your parents qualify as self-employed then yes, those taxes will have to be paid even if no other income taxes are owed.</p>