Can I complete my FAFSA application without filing my state taxes first?

Thanks for the info! I was wondering though, will the FAFSA system be able to verify my tax info if I just filed my federal taxes today? Is there some kind of waiting period between filing federal taxes and when they become "visible" to the FAFSA system?

Yes, there is a short waiting period. If you're using the IRS Data Retrieval Tool on the FAFSA, your federal tax information typically becomes available within 2-3 weeks after e-filing. If you're entering the information manually, you can do that immediately after filing since you'll have all the necessary information from your completed tax forms. For electronic filing, the IRS usually processes your return and makes it available to the Data Retrieval Tool in about 2-3 weeks. If you file by paper, it could take 6-8 weeks before your information is available in the system.

How exactly does that work? Do you just upload your tax documents to them and their AI figures everything out? I'm always nervous about sharing financial docs online.

Sounds interesting but I'm skeptical. Does it actually file the taxes for you or just give advice? And how accurate is the AI compared to a human tax preparer?

The platform has you upload your documents through their secure system - they use the same encryption that banks use, so it's actually really safe. Their AI reads through everything and identifies all the important information, then guides you through what you need to know or do next. It doesn't file taxes for you - it's more like having a tax expert look over your documents and give you personalized guidance. In my experience, it was incredibly accurate. It caught several things I missed, including some education credits that applied to my situation. The AI is actually trained on millions of tax documents and IRS guidelines, so for standard tax situations, it's often more consistent than human preparers who might miss things if they're tired or rushed.

Wait, how does this actually work? They somehow get you through the IRS phone queue faster? That seems impossible with how backed up the IRS always is.

This sounds like a scam. Nobody can magically get you through to the IRS faster. The wait times are the same for everyone. I'd be very careful about services claiming they can jump the queue somehow.

It's actually not magic - they use a combination of technology that continuously redials and navigates the IRS phone tree for you. When they get a human on the line, they call you and connect you directly to that agent. They essentially do the waiting for you. They don't "skip" the queue - they just handle the frustrating part of staying on hold and navigating the complex phone system. The service uses automated technology to keep trying different IRS numbers and menu options until they get through, then they immediately connect you. I was skeptical too until I tried it and was talking to an actual IRS representative in about 15 minutes after struggling for days on my own.

Do you know if there are any income limits for using these state filing portals? I make around $58k annually and some "free" services end up not being free for me because of income thresholds.

The income limits vary by state. In California, their CalFile system allows free filing for incomes up to $73,000, which covers most students and many working adults. Other states have different thresholds. Your best bet is to go directly to your state's department of revenue or taxation website and look for their free filing options. They usually list any income restrictions right on their information page. Even if you're above the threshold for some free services, state direct filing is often still cheaper than what the commercial tax prep services charge.

How do you request a tax transcript? Is that something you can do online?

Yes, you can request tax transcripts online through the IRS website at irs.gov. Go to "Get Your Tax Record" and then "Get Transcript Online." You'll need to verify your identity with personal information and either a credit card, mortgage, or student loan account number. You can also request them by mail using Form 4506-T, but that takes 5-10 business days to receive. The online option is instant once you're verified. Tax transcripts show most of the key information from your tax return that FAFSA needs, and they're often available sooner than when your return shows up in the IRS Data Retrieval Tool.