<p>I am a US permanent resident living outside the US. My parents are deceased and I live with my older brother. My brother supports me financially but I am above 18, which means I am classified as independent. How do I fill out the tax information on the CSS profile? Should I check myself as dependent or independent?</p>
<p>You are not classified as independent because you are 18. You are classified as independent because you are an orphan. You will only need to include your own income (if any). If any bills are paid IN YOUR NAME by your brother, you will have to report the amount as other income … that would be something like a credit card that is in your name, car insurance that is your own policy in your own name, that sort of thing. </p>
<p>For Profile, you are still independent, although Profile schools may want to know more about your living situation. File as independent - you will be asked questions, and when you answer yes to being an orphan, you will be able to file as independent. Then call each Profile school to explain your situation and ask if they will want any additional information from you as a result of your unusual situation.</p>
<p>If you are a legal permanent resident, you risk losing that status if you are outside the US for too long. Make sure you are back here before that happens.</p>