FAFSA parent confusion - got email but husband already has FSA ID for joint taxes - should I create ID too?

same thing happened to me!!! so annoying. i ended up creating my own ID even tho my wife already had one. the system is broken

This is actually normal with the new FAFSA. Even though you file jointly, the system is designed to collect information from both parents living in the household. Your daughter was correct to list both parents, and you should both create FSA IDs and complete your sections. This helps determine the accurate Student Aid Index (SAI) calculation, which replaced the old EFC. The old FAFSA only required one parent for joint filers, but the 2024-2025 FAFSA changed this approach. Now both parents need to provide their information separately, even with joint tax filing.

The previous response isn't quite accurate. The 2024-2025 FAFSA does allow for only one parent to complete the parent section when parents file jointly. However, there's a known technical issue where sometimes the system sends contributor invites to both parents regardless. You have two options: 1. Your daughter can go back into her FAFSA and remove you as a contributor (keep just your husband) 2. You can create an FSA ID and also complete a parent section Either approach works, but option #1 is technically correct according to official guidance and reduces duplicative work. If you choose option #1, make sure your husband includes ALL household information in his section, including both parents' income data from your joint return.

I've actually been having the EXACT same issue. Called FSA 13 times and got disconnected every single time! So frustrating trying to figure this out with the deadline coming up. BUT I found something that worked - I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at FSA. They have this service where they wait on hold for you and call when an agent answers. Saved me hours of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent I spoke with confirmed that with jointly filed taxes, technically only one parent needs to complete the form, but because of system bugs, sometimes both parents get emails. They recommended having the student go back and remove one parent if possible. If that doesn't work, then both parents should complete their sections.

gotta love how they completely redesign the FAFSA and then nobody can figure out how to use it properly including their own support staff lol

To clarify based on the most current guidance (as of yesterday), here's the official stance on joint filing parents: 1. If parents file jointly, only ONE parent technically needs to complete the contributor section 2. However, the system is designed to collect both parents' information for the most accurate SAI calculation 3. Due to technical issues, sometimes the system requires both parents to complete their sections even if that contradicts the official guidance For the cleanest application process with jointly filing parents: - Try having the student remove one parent in the FAFSA portal - If that works, have the remaining parent complete their section with ALL household information - If removal doesn't work or causes errors, both parents will need FSA IDs and need to complete their sections The important thing is ensuring all income and household information is accurately reported, whether through one parent or both.