FAFSA won't let me select 'have not filed taxes' without entering tax info - need workaround

omg i had the EXACT same issue last week!! so frustrating. the options make no sense. like how am i supposed to enter info from a tax return that doesnt exist??

This is a CLASSIC FAFSA design flaw that drives me insane every year. The system literally doesn't account for people who legitimately aren't filing taxes (like if you're below the filing threshold). The financial aid office gave you incomplete advice.

I can help with this! There's actually a specific way to handle this situation. When you select "I have not filed but plan to file," you need to provide ESTIMATED tax information based on your W-2 forms or other income documentation. The system requires some numbers to move forward. If you truly won't be filing taxes at all (like if you're below the filing threshold), you should select "Will not file" option, which should be available. If you don't see that option, you might be in the wrong section or there might be an eligibility issue.

lol fafsa website is the WORST! i spent like 3 hrs on this exact problem and ended up just making up numbers bc i needed to submit by midnight 🤦‍♀️ probably not the best advice but sometimes u just gotta do what u gotta do

I ran into this problem too. Kept trying to call the Federal Student Aid helpline to clarify, but was on hold forever and got disconnected twice. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual agent who walked me through what to select. They have a demo video that explains how it works: https://youtu.be/TbC8dZQWYNQ. The agent confirmed that if you're not required to file taxes, you should select "Will not file" and then provide your W-2 income information in the subsequent screens.

Here's the technically correct approach for your situation: 1. If your income is below filing threshold AND you don't plan to file: Select "Will not file" 2. If you haven't filed YET but will file later: Select "I have not filed but plan to file" 3. If you selected option 2, you must provide ESTIMATES based on your W-2s or other income documentation The system requires income information regardless of your filing status because SAI (Student Aid Index) calculations need this data. Your school can help with specific questions about your situation.

Update: I finally got through this section! For anyone else struggling with this issue, here's what worked for me: 1. Selected "Will not file" (found it after clicking through some additional questions) 2. Entered my income information from my W-2 forms 3. For the question about adjusted gross income, I entered my total earnings from all W-2s 4. Left tax-specific fields (like schedule 1 questions) blank or selected "no" My application is now submitted and showing "processing" status. Thanks everyone for your help!

This thread is such a lifesaver! I've been pulling my hair out over this exact issue for the past two days. The FAFSA interface is so confusing - it's like they designed it to be as unclear as possible. I'm a first-generation college student and my parents have never dealt with this before, so we had no idea what to do when the system kept asking for tax info we don't have. Reading through everyone's solutions here gives me hope that I can actually get this done. Going to try the "Will not file" option with my W-2 info tonight. Fingers crossed!

As someone who works in financial aid, I want to emphasize something important that hasn't been mentioned yet: make sure you're consistent with whatever option you choose! If you select "Will not file," don't accidentally submit a tax return later without updating your FAFSA. This can trigger verification issues. Also, keep copies of all the W-2s and income documents you use for your estimates - you'll likely need them if your school selects you for verification. The key is being accurate with whatever information you do have, even if you don't have a completed tax return.