Budgeting
mint.com is a free site to help you manage your money.
studentaid.gov - This is your one-stop-shop for everything related to the Direct Loan Program and federal student loans.
IRS - Internal Revenue Service - IRS.gov
Federal Tax Benefits
There are federal tax credits available for parents (and students) who are saving (or paying) for college. For more information about federal tax benefits, visit IRS Videos, a series of short videos via YouTube. Expenses for course materials may now also qualify you for a tax credit visit American Opportunity Tax Credit for more information
General Tax Questions
The IRS website provides answers to general questions, such as, "Do I need to file a federal tax return?" or "What is my tax filing status?"
You can use the Interactive Tax Assistant available on the IRS website to determine:
- Do I Need to File a Tax Return?
- Who Can I Claim as a Dependent?
- What Is My Filing Status?
- Am I Eligible to Claim an Education Credit?
- Do I Include My Scholarship, Fellowship, or Education Grant as Income on My Tax Return?
- Is My Tip Income Taxable?
Useful IRS Publications
Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax
This publication covers the general rules for filing a federal income tax return. It supplements the information contained in your tax form instruction booklet. It explains the tax law to make sure you pay only the tax you owe and no more.
Publication 970 -Tax Benefits for Education
Other Useful Websites
Federal Student Aid - The U.S. Department of Education provides free information on applying for federal financial aid, information on the federal financial aid programs, loan repayment and many useful publications in English and Spanish.
LMU Parent Pride - Parent Pride is LMU's online community for parents of first-year students. On Parent Pride, parents can find resources, share advice and make friends with other LMU parents.
WebGrants for students - Find answers to questions such as; What is the status of my Cal Grant Application? I received a Cal Grant, but I have decided to attend a different school than when I applied, what do I do?
NASFAA - National Association of Financial Aid Administrators - NASFAA provides information regarding applying for financial aid, federal tax benefits for parents and students, understanding credit as well as other useful information for financial aid applicants and recipients.
Selective Service - Find answers to questions such as: Do I need to register for selective service? How can I register for selective service?
Savings for College - learn about different way to prepare to save for college
Social Security Administration - information about Social Security Numbers and other services provided by the Social Security Administration
Tax Benefits for Paying College Expenses - learn if you qualify for tax benefits based on your education expenses paid
Veterans Benefits and Programs
Veterans Affairs - Information on educational benefits for veterans or their dependents.
Troops to Teachers - For information on special assistance for veterans interested in teaching in California.
Department of Veteran's Affairs - GI Bill Website - For information on eligibility for the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits that are payable for training and enrollment.
GI Bill Comparison Tool - To calculate your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits.
Aid for Military families - For information from the U.S. Department of Education for veterans, future military personnel, active-duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active-duty personnel.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
External links disclaimer
Loyola Marymount University web site contains links to other web sites which are independently run sites outside of the lmu.edu domain. Loyola Marymount University is not responsible for the privacy practices, activities, or content of such independent sites. Any links to external web sites and/or non-Loyola Marymount University information provided on university pages or returned from university web search engines are provided as a courtesy. They should not be construed as an endorsement by Loyola Marymount University of the content or views of the linked materials. The materials on these independent sites are the opinion of the specified author(s) and are not statements of advice, opinion, support or information of Loyola Marymount University.