FAFSA keeps sending reminders despite IRS data request - is my application stuck?
I started my daughter's 2025-26 FAFSA application last week, and at the tax information section, I selected the option to have FAFSA request our tax data directly from the IRS. The screen showed a message saying "Tax information request submitted" with a little checkmark. But ever since then, I've been bombarded with texts and emails (like 3-4 PER DAY) saying her FAFSA form is incomplete and we need to finish it. When I log back in, it shows we're still on the tax information step with a status saying "Awaiting IRS data transfer." Is this normal? Am I supposed to be doing something else while waiting for the IRS info? I'm worried her application is stuck in some kind of weird limbo and she'll miss priority deadlines for her top schools. Has anyone else dealt with this notification overload even though you're just waiting on their system to do its thing?
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MoonlightSonata
same thing happened to me!! those emails are SO annoying. i think its just their system being stupid. wait like 4 more days and then panic lol
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Zara Khan
•4 more days?? Her school's priority deadline is in 2 weeks! I was hoping the IRS transfer would be faster than manually entering everything. Is there any way to speed this up?
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Mateo Gonzalez
This is a known issue with the current FAFSA system. The data transfer from IRS can take 3-7 business days, but the automatic reminder system doesn't recognize that you're in a waiting period. Those reminders are generated regardless of why your application is incomplete. My recommendation: 1. Wait at least 5 business days for the IRS data transfer 2. If the data hasn't transferred after that time, log back in and you should see an option to manually enter tax information instead 3. If you're concerned about meeting priority deadlines, you can cancel the IRS data request and just enter the information manually from your tax return Don't worry - your application isn't lost, it's just in a waiting state that the notification system doesn't handle well.
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Zara Khan
•Thank you so much for explaining! This makes me feel better. I'll give it until Monday (that would be 5 business days) and then switch to manual entry if needed. I wish the system would explain this in those reminder messages instead of making it seem like I'm doing something wrong!
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Nia Williams
My daughter's FAFSA had the exact same problem last month!! Those texts drove me CRAZY!! I kept thinking I was missing something but nope, just had to wait. The IRS data finally came through after 6 days but then we got stuck on the SAI calculation screen for another 3 days. This whole new FAFSA system is a DISASTER compared to the old one! 😡
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Luca Ricci
•IT'S NOT JUST ME!!!! I'm dealing with this RIGHT NOW trying to help my son with his application. The reminders are driving me up the wall - I'm getting them on my phone, my email, AND my son is getting them too! FAFSA needs to get their act together. This is ridiculous.
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Aisha Mohammed
The issue you're experiencing is due to a disconnect between the data transfer system and the notification system. Here's what's actually happening behind the scenes: 1. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) initiates a secure connection to pull your tax information 2. This process typically takes 3-7 business days to complete 3. During this time, your application is technically "incomplete" in the system 4. The automated notification system sees an incomplete application and sends reminders You have two options: - Wait for the data transfer (most accurate, but takes time) - Cancel the data request and manually enter your tax information (faster, but higher chance of errors) If your daughter's priority deadline is approaching, I'd recommend manually entering the data. The IRS verification is helpful for accuracy, but not worth missing a deadline.
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Zara Khan
•This explanation is super helpful, thank you! Is there any downside to canceling the IRS request and doing it manually? Will it raise any red flags or make her more likely to get selected for verification later?
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Aisha Mohammed
•Great question. Manually entering data doesn't automatically trigger verification, but it can increase the chances slightly. The important thing is accuracy - make sure you're entering information exactly as it appears on your tax forms. Have your 2023 tax return ready (Form 1040 and all schedules) and carefully enter the data from each line requested. Double-check everything before submitting. For many students, the benefits of meeting priority deadlines far outweigh the slight increase in verification risk. And if you do get selected for verification later, it's manageable - just a matter of providing documentation to confirm what you reported.
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Ethan Campbell
I had this exact problem last week with my son's FAFSA! The constant notifications were driving me crazy. After 4 days of waiting, I finally called FSA directly. Spent almost 2 hours on hold, but the agent was able to manually push through the IRS data transfer within 24 hours after I spoke with them. If you're worried about meeting deadlines, I'd recommend using Claimyr to get through to an agent quickly. I found it on claimyr.com - it held my place in line so I didn't have to stay on hold forever. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ Once I got through to an actual person, they were super helpful and explained that sometimes the IRS data requests get stuck in the system. The agent can see exactly what's happening and manually move it forward.
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Luca Ricci
•I'm definitely going to try this! Been on hold for 45 mins already today and had to hang up for a work meeting. Does this really work? I'm desperate at this point.
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Ethan Campbell
•Yes, it absolutely worked for me! I was skeptical too, but after my third attempt at calling and getting disconnected after an hour on hold, I was willing to try anything. The agent I finally spoke with said they're seeing this IRS data issue a lot with the new system.
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Yuki Watanabe
anybody know if this effects your SAI calculation?? my brothers fafsa had the same issue and his SAI was way higher than expected when it finally went through. not sure if its related but just a warning.
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Aisha Mohammed
•This issue with the IRS data transfer doesn't directly affect the SAI calculation. The SAI (Student Aid Index) is calculated based on the data itself, not how it was entered. If your brother's SAI was higher than expected, it's more likely due to how income and assets were reported, not the transfer delay. Common reasons for unexpectedly high SAI include: - Reportable assets that weren't excluded (some retirement accounts should be excluded) - Multiple family members in college not being properly reported - Income from tax-exempt interest not being correctly handled - Untaxed income being counted that wasn't anticipated If you believe there's an error, your brother can contact his school's financial aid office to request a professional judgment review.
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Zara Khan
UPDATE: The IRS data finally came through today! Interestingly, as soon as it did, I got a completely different notification saying "New information has been added to your FAFSA" instead of the incomplete reminders. We were able to finish the rest of the application in about 20 minutes. For anyone else facing this issue - it took exactly 6 business days for the IRS data to transfer. Thanks everyone for your help and suggestions!
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Mateo Gonzalez
•That's great news! Glad it worked out. Now make sure to check her Student Aid Index (SAI) once it's calculated (usually 3-5 days after submission) and have her watch for communications from her schools about any additional information they might need. Some schools also require the CSS Profile in addition to FAFSA, so double-check her school's financial aid websites for all requirements.
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