FAFSA 2025-2026 not requesting tax information? Confused about new form changes

yep same here. the new form is super different. they're pulling tax info direct from IRS now i think. way less typing but kinda freaky not seeing what numbers they're using?

This is actually part of the FAFSA Simplification Act changes. The new form uses direct data sharing with the IRS instead of requiring manual entry of tax information. When you authorize the Data Retrieval Tool, it automatically pulls your tax data and uses it for calculations. The downside is you don't get to see exactly what figures they're using. If your SAI seems significantly different than expected, I'd recommend checking your Student Aid Report (SAR) once it's processed. The SAR will show the income and tax figures that were used in your calculation.

OMG I thought it was just me!!! I was clicking around looking for where to enter my W-2 info for like 20 minutes!!! So confusing!

The SAR is typically available within 3-5 days after submitting your FAFSA. You'll get an email notification when it's ready. If you find errors in the data they pulled from the IRS, you'll need to contact the Federal Student Aid Information Center to request a correction. Unfortunately, reaching them can be frustrating - I spent over 2 hours on hold last week. I ended up using this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that holds your place in line and calls you back when an agent is available. Saved me so much time! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Anyway, when you talk to the agent, explain that you believe there's a discrepancy between your actual tax information and what was imported. They may ask you to submit documentation to support your correction request.

The whole new FAFSA is a DISASTER!!!! They keep changing things and making it MORE complicated not less!! Last year took me 20 min, this year took 3 HOURS and now I don't even know if my info is right because they don't show you anything!!

I work in a financial aid office, and we've been seeing this question a lot. Here's what's happening: 1. The new FAFSA uses direct data-sharing with the IRS, eliminating manual tax data entry 2. This is why you're not seeing tax information sections that were in previous forms 3. Your SAI calculation may seem different because the formula itself has changed significantly If you're concerned about your SAI calculation, compare these specific elements from last year to this year: - Whether you have different contributors (what used to be called parents/spouse) - Changes in your household size - Changes in the number of college students in your household - Significant income changes between tax years All of these factors can cause dramatic shifts in your SAI under the new formula.

Unfortunately, FAFSA doesn't provide a detailed breakdown of how each factor affects your specific SAI calculation. However, there are a few things you can do: 1. Review your SAR when it becomes available to confirm all data is correct 2. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator tool on studentaid.gov to run different scenarios 3. Contact your school's financial aid office - they often have more detailed insight into how changes affect your specific situation The household size change could definitely be a major factor. Under the new formula, having fewer people in the household typically results in a higher SAI (meaning less aid) because there are fewer people depending on the same income.

does anyone know if we still have to do the CSS Profile too? or does the new FAFSA replace that?? so confusing!

Just an update - I got my SAR today and reviewed it. The tax information they pulled from the IRS was actually correct! The reason my SAI is higher is exactly what @financialaidpro mentioned - the household size change made a big difference. I also learned the new formula treats some types of income differently. My school's financial aid counselor was able to explain the specific changes. For anyone else confused by the new form, definitely check your SAR and talk to your school's financial aid office!

Thanks for this thread everyone! I'm a parent helping my kid with their first FAFSA and was totally panicked when I couldn't find where to enter our tax info. Really reassuring to know this is the new normal and not a glitch. The direct IRS connection actually sounds more secure than manually typing everything in. Going to wait for the SAR and then reach out to the financial aid office if we have questions. This community is so helpful for navigating all these changes!