<prompt> Human: Basically, I am being discouraged from applying for federal aid because my parents apparently owe the IRS some deal of money. My mother thinks that applying for federal aid will raise a flag of some sort. Also, they dont think Ill get any aid because were just above the cusp.Before anyone berates my parents, they are paying for my education. Although, I still think it would be more cost effective if they just settled their shit and possibly received aid for what could be a bigger cost!thanks in advance, sorry if this is recent repost or common topic  <response>: If they owe the IRS money, the IRS already knows about it. It could be a different story if theyve been evading taxes instead.What theyre worried about is that the FAFSA can ask some invasive questions like how much money is in your parents bank accounts and what their last tax return said.I doubt anything you do on the FAFSA would trigger anything over in the IRS as they are completely independent entities. If your parents have illegal money in the bank, Id find it more likely you just wouldnt get any aid rather than the DOE snitching on your parents.Not a lawyer, etc. 