FAFSA rejected due to unfiled taxes - urgent help needed

OMG the same thing happened to me last year!!! You need to file those taxes ASAP. Like yesterday. The FAFSA system won't let you complete it without the tax return being properly processed in most cases. I had to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool and it wouldn't work until my taxes were actually processed. It was a NIGHTMARE and my daughter almost lost her grants.

You have a few options here. First, yes, you need to file those taxes immediately. The fastest way is to e-file with the IRS. However, you don't necessarily need to wait for full processing before submitting your FAFSA. You can: 1. Submit your FAFSA using the information from your completed (but not yet processed) tax return 2. Check "Will File" in the tax filing status section 3. Be prepared to update your FAFSA once your return is processed Keep in mind that many schools will flag your application for verification if the IRS Data Retrieval Tool wasn't used, so you'll likely need to provide additional documentation later. The most important thing is submitting something before your school's priority deadline, even if it needs correction later.

just go to H&R block they can do it same day and then file your fafsa right after. thats what i did when i forgto to file and my kid still got his aid.

This system is RIDICULOUS!! They expect parents to be perfect with their taxes but then the FAFSA itself has been nothing but glitches and errors this year. My daughter's SAI calculation was wrong THREE TIMES because of their system issues but they'll reject you in a heartbeat if your taxes aren't perfect. The hypocrisy is unbelievable.

I work at a college financial aid office. Here's what you need to do: 1. File your taxes immediately - e-filing is fastest 2. Submit your FAFSA with estimated information based on your completed return 3. Mark that you "Will File" instead of "Already Filed" 4. Contact your student's financial aid office directly to explain the situation 5. Be prepared to submit a verification packet with your tax documents Many schools have provisional aid packages they can offer while waiting for final documentation. The key is communication with the financial aid office - they deal with this more often than you might think, and most have protocols in place to help.

Have you tried calling Federal Student Aid directly? They can sometimes give you a temporary override or extension if you explain the situation. I was on hold for almost 3 hours trying to reach them about a similar issue last month before I gave up. I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent without the wait. Saved me hours of frustration. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent was able to note my account that my taxes were in process and gave me specific instructions on how to submit my FAFSA with the pending status. Much better than guessing or stressing about deadlines.

One thing to remember - even if you miss the priority deadline, you can still submit the FAFSA later. You might miss out on some first-come-first-served aid, but you'll still be eligible for federal loans and many grant programs. Don't panic if you can't get everything sorted immediately. The main deadline for the 2025-2026 FAFSA is actually much later than most school priority deadlines.

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - when you submit with the "Will File" status, use the information from your W-2s and any other income documents to provide the most accurate estimates possible. This will minimize discrepancies when you update later. And once your tax return is processed, update your FAFSA immediately using the correction function and the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.

btw make SURE you keep copies of EVERYTHING. I mean everything - tax return, W2s, confirmation emails when you submit, etc. During verification last year they kept asking for the same documents over and over and I had to send them in like 3 times. So frustrating!!!

One more thing - if your student is applying to multiple schools, prioritize contacting the financial aid offices at their top choice schools. Explain the situation and ask if they have any school-specific procedures or forms for cases like this. Some schools have special consideration processes that can help preserve access to school-based aid even with documentation delays.

I'm in a similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I just wanted to add that if you're using TurboTax or another tax software, they often have rush processing options for an extra fee that can get your return submitted within 24 hours. I know it's frustrating to pay more, but it might be worth it to avoid missing the FAFSA deadline. Also, some libraries offer free tax preparation services through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) if you're looking for a cheaper option than H&R Block. They might be able to help you get it done quickly without the extra fees. Good luck - you've got this!

I went through this exact same panic last year! Here's what saved me: I filed my taxes online through FreeTaxUSA (way cheaper than H&R Block) and got confirmation within hours. Then I immediately submitted my FAFSA with "Will File" status using my W-2 numbers. The key thing everyone here is saying is RIGHT - don't wait for the IRS to fully process everything before submitting your FAFSA. Just get those taxes filed ASAP and submit the FAFSA with your best estimates. My daughter ended up getting her full aid package even though we were cutting it close to the deadline. Also, most financial aid officers are really understanding about this situation - it happens way more than you'd think. You're being proactive by handling it now, so try not to stress too much. Your son will be fine!

Don't panic - you're definitely not alone in this situation! I'm a college financial aid advisor and I see this happen several times every year. Here's my recommended action plan: 1. **File your 2023 taxes TODAY** - Use any reputable online service (TurboTax, FreeTaxUSA, etc.) or visit a local tax prep office. E-filing gets you confirmation fastest. 2. **Submit your FAFSA immediately after filing** - Use "Will File" status and input the numbers from your completed tax return, even before the IRS processes it. 3. **Contact your son's school's financial aid office** - Explain the situation proactively. Most schools have processes for handling late tax filings and can often work with you on timing. 4. **Set a reminder to update your FAFSA** - Once your tax return is processed (usually 2-3 weeks for e-filed returns), use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to update your FAFSA with the official processed information. The good news is that missing the priority deadline doesn't disqualify you from federal aid - it mainly affects the first-come-first-served institutional aid. Federal Pell Grants and loans will still be available. You're taking action now, which puts you ahead of many families who wait until the last minute. Your son's college dreams are definitely not derailed by this!