^ Sure if your parents have only W2 income and no assets beyond a checking account, its not that difficult. It also only takes an hour or less for HR Block to do your taxes or perhaps for you to do them yourself.
I would think it would take a tax professional a lot longer to do Op’s return. I know it takes our accountant awhile.
It does not sound like Op is in a simple situation given all the different type of income she and H have. The various posters on here have at times misunderstood the corporate structure that is the source for her income.
As for being able to do your FAFSA, some kids are fortunate that their parents can help. Others not so much. When I was 18 I was certainly capable of filling out the forms but would I have done them correctly? I doubt it considering I screwed something minor up recently so the school (correctly) corrected it.
Plus I have no desire to just “turn over” my forms to my kid. It is none of his/her business what we earn or save. While our kids have a general idea, there is no reason they need to know. Especially as we have several children and non W2 income so even if they knew to the penny, it would not tell them what a college will want them to pay. We have explained to our next kid the finances that are available and the type of college he or she will need to apply to.
I find this situation ridiculous for another reason, everyone talks about it being the kid’s FAFSA and the kid’s obligation however, said kid can only take out a minimal amount of loans a year ($5500 or whatever does not matter), against his $25,000 in state or $65,000 out of state COA. Every kid who comes on this forum is reminded that without his parents cooperation he cannot afford anything more than a free ride or CC.
YES parents have no legal obligation to pay for college and some parents cut the kid loose. At that point, other than an independent student (good luck proving), or full merit free rides which are few, said kid will not get any aid if his or her parents refuse to provide their financial information whether they earn $0 or $150,000. Since very few kids have assets in their own names of $80,000 or whatever it would take to finance an in state education, it really is the parents either contributing or co signing the loans or providing the documentation so the kid can get full need someplace if income is low enough. Without the parents cooperation, funding or co signing, most kids get nothing so to call this only the kid’s FAFSA?!