I'm actually a tax preparer and I see this issue frequently with my clients. If you received any retirement distributions or had capital gains in 2023, the FAFSA system sometimes counts these incorrectly. Another common problem is if you received any stimulus payments or tax credits that artificially inflated your AGI figure. One important thing to know: your daughter's school can actually process what's called a "Professional Judgment" adjustment while you're getting the FAFSA corrected. This allows them to adjust her aid package based on the correct information even before the official correction comes through. Not all schools advertise this option, but it's worth specifically requesting.

After you get this immediate issue resolved, I'd recommend checking your FSA ID settings and opting into email notifications for any future FAFSA changes or issues. Many people miss important notices because they only check the portal occasionally. For the 2025-2026 FAFSA, they've rolled out new notification options that will alert you to potential discrepancies much earlier in the process.

DONT FORGET the new FAFSA for 2025-2026 has that new SAI score instead of EFC too!! The whole system changed and it's SUPER confusing. My cousin's application got all messed up because she didn't realize how different everything is now.

The worst part of all this is the timing. If you're trying to start school this fall (2025), you're cutting it close with financial aid. Most schools have priority deadlines for FAFSA in February-March for the following fall semester. Missing those can mean thousands less in institutional aid even if you still qualify for federal aid. If I were you, I'd: 1. File both tax returns ASAP 2. Submit FAFSA immediately after 3. Contact your school's financial aid office directly 4. Ask about any emergency or late consideration policies they have 5. Get documentation of your custody situation ready The tax dispute with your ex is important, but it's a separate battle that can be fought after your financial aid is secured.

One other important thing to note: If UAB has already requested verification, make sure you're monitoring your son's student portal AND email for notices. Alabama schools often communicate verification requirements through the school's system rather than through the Federal Student Aid portal. Also, if you resolve the federal verification first, many Alabama schools will simplify the state verification process and potentially just require the additional state forms rather than duplicating documentation efforts.

The Alabama SAI will always differ somewhat from the federal calculation due to the state's inclusion of additional assets (like home equity). However, resolving federal verification will ensure your base financial data is correct. Once that's done, the Alabama differential should only reflect their additional factors, not errors in the underlying data. So yes, definitely resolve the federal side first, then address any remaining state discrepancies afterward with the financial aid office at UAB.

Why not just claim all 4 on your taxes next year? That's what my sister did lol

One additional point about the new FAFSA system: Make sure you list any child support you receive (if applicable) in the "Untaxed Income" section. This helps establish your financial responsibility for the children not claimed on your taxes. Also, if your divorce decree specifies who pays for college, have that document ready as some schools will want to see it during their professional judgment review process.

one more thing nobody mentioned - if ur working for government or non-profit u might qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness on Parent Plus Loans but only after consolidation and only on ICR. Its complicated but worth it if u qualify,

Based on the information you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. First, consolidate your Parent Plus Loans through studentaid.gov into a Direct Consolidation Loan 2. Immediately apply for Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) 3. Consider whether filing taxes separately from your spouse would benefit you (run the numbers both ways) 4. Set up autopay for the 0.25% interest rate reduction 5. Mark your calendar to recertify your income annually With part-time income of $28k, your ICR payment could be significantly lower than the standard payment, possibly in the $200-300/month range if you file taxes separately. If you file jointly, it would be higher based on combined income. Remember that you'll need to recertify your income every year, and if your income increases, so will your payments. The loans would be eligible for forgiveness after 25 years of payments, though the forgiven amount would be taxable income. Do you know which loan servicer you have? That can sometimes affect the quality of service and information you receive.