We need to clarify what we mean by "entering zero." Here is the question on the FAFSA that you asked about.
"85. Enter your parents’ income tax for 2020. Income tax amount is the total of IRS Form 1040—line 22 minus Schedule 2—line 2. If negative, enter a zero here."
It is not asking you to enter the amount on Schedule 2 line 2. It's asking you to enter the amount of income tax, which it defines as Form 1040 line 22 minus Schedule 2 line 2. So if there is no Schedule 2, then Schedule 2 line 2 is zero and you just enter the amount from Form 1040 line 22. But Schedule 2 line 2 being zero, or not having Schedule 2, does not mean you can enter zero as the answer for the question on the FAFSA. You have to enter the amount from Form 1040 line 22. You would only enter zero on the FAFSA if Form 1040 line 22 happens to be zero.
This has nothing to do with what state you are in. You are taking information from the federal tax return.
