FAFSA shows incorrect Puerto Rico tax filing status - still not fixed after a month
I'm at my wit's end with this FAFSA error! My parents have always filed taxes in Massachusetts, but somehow when I submitted my 2025-2026 FAFSA, it's showing that they filed a tax return in Puerto Rico. I noticed this mistake when reviewing my SAI calculation last month and submitted a correction through the studentaid.gov portal. I even uploaded my parents' 1040 form showing they filed in Massachusetts. It's been FOUR WEEKS and my aid package still shows the Puerto Rico filing status! This is delaying my entire financial aid process and I'm worried about losing scholarship opportunities. Has anyone experienced this territorial tax filing error? Is there a specific form I need to submit or person I need to contact to get this fixed? My college's priority deadline is coming up fast.
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Dmitry Volkov
yep had the same issue but it said my dad filed in Virgin Islands lol. took calling FSA 3 times before they fixed it
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Sofia Ramirez
•How long did it take for them to fix it after you finally got through to someone? I've tried calling twice but got disconnected after waiting 45+ minutes each time.
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StarSeeker
This is a known glitch in the FAFSA for 2025-26. The system sometimes incorrectly flags mainland filers as territorial filers, especially if you have family in those areas or similar last names to common names in those regions. The correction system is backlogged right now, so portal updates aren't processing quickly. You need to call the Federal Student Aid Information Center directly at 1-800-433-3243. Ask specifically for a "tax jurisdiction correction" and mention that you've already submitted documentation. They can put a manual flag on your application to expedite the review.
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Sofia Ramirez
•Thank you so much for this specific information! I'll try calling again tomorrow and ask for the "tax jurisdiction correction" specifically. Do you know if I should request that they look at my existing uploaded documentation or should I have my parents' tax forms ready to submit again?
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Ava Martinez
I work in a financial aid office, and we're seeing this error constantly this year! The "Puerto Rico glitch" is affecting TONS of mainland students. Fastest solution is actually to ask your school's financial aid office to submit a professional judgment override. They can manually correct the jurisdiction error on their end for aid packaging purposes while the correction processes through FAFSA.
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Miguel Ortiz
•This isnt entirely accurate. Schools can override SOME parts of the FAFSA with professional judgment but tax filing jurisdiction isnt one of them. That HAS to be fixed at the federal level. They might be able to package you based on what they think youll eventually get, but the official SAI wont change until FSA fixes it.
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Zainab Omar
I dealt with this exact issue two weeks ago! The problem is that the FAFSA correction system is completely overwhelmed with the new formula changes. When you submit online corrections for tax jurisdiction issues, they're going into what they call a "special processing queue" that can take 6-8 weeks to review. The fastest solution I found was using Claimyr to get through to an actual FSA agent. I spent days trying to call directly and kept getting disconnected or waiting hours. With Claimyr (claimyr.com), I got connected to a real person in under 30 minutes who could actually help. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ The agent manually updated my parents' tax filing status that same day, and my corrected SAI showed up in the portal 48 hours later. Definitely worth it with deadlines coming up!
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Connor Murphy
•OMG thank you for this! I've been trying to get through to someone for WEEKS about why my mom's tax info isn't matching what they have on file. Going to try this service right now because I'm so tired of getting disconnected every time I call.
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Yara Sayegh
dont waste time with corrections through the portal. they NEVER process them on time!!! call FSA directly and be VERY firm about needing it fixed. sometimes you have to call every day for a week but eventually you get someone who can actually help. the system is BROKEN this year with the new FAFSA!!!!
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Dmitry Volkov
•Seriously!!! I've been telling everyone to avoid the portal corrections completely. The new "simplified" FAFSA is the most complicated disaster ever.
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Sofia Ramirez
Update: I finally got through to someone at FSA! For anyone with this same Puerto Rico tax filing error, here's what worked: I called early (right when they opened at 8am ET), asked specifically for the "tax jurisdiction correction" like @profile2 suggested, and mentioned the documentation I had already uploaded. The agent was able to see my correction in their system but said it was in a backlog. They manually flagged it for expedited review and said it should be fixed within 3-5 business days. I'll update again when/if it gets fixed. Thank you everyone for your help!
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Ava Martinez
•Great strategy! 8am ET is definitely the best time to call. Hope your correction goes through quickly!
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NebulaNova
Slightly off topic but does anyone know why they're even asking about Puerto Rico tax filing anyway? My brother applied last year and never had this question, but it showed up on mine this year. Is this part of the SAI calculation changes?
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StarSeeker
•Yes, it's part of the new FAFSA Simplification Act changes. Since Puerto Rico has different tax structures, students with parents who file there have a modified calculation for the Student Aid Index. The system is supposed to auto-detect this based on your permanent address and SSN information, but the detection algorithm is clearly not working properly.
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Sofia Ramirez
Final update: It's fixed! My SAI was recalculated with the correct tax jurisdiction and my revised financial aid package came through. The actual fix happened 4 days after my call, so within their estimated timeline. My SAI went down by about $3,200 after fixing this error, which qualified me for additional grant aid. For anyone dealing with this issue, definitely call FSA directly and specifically request the tax jurisdiction correction to be expedited. Thanks again to everyone for your help!
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Zainab Omar
•That's a huge difference in your SAI! So glad you got it fixed in time. This is why it's so important to carefully review all the details on your FAFSA confirmation page.
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Alice Pierce
This is such a relief to read! I'm dealing with the exact same Puerto Rico filing error right now and was starting to panic about my aid deadlines. My parents have lived in California their whole lives but somehow FAFSA thinks they filed in Puerto Rico. I've been stuck in correction limbo for 3 weeks now. Going to call FSA first thing tomorrow morning at 8am and ask for the "tax jurisdiction correction" expedited review like you did. Thank you so much for sharing your step-by-step solution and the final update - it gives me hope that this nightmare will actually get resolved!
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