<p>Last year we filed 1040A, then did FAFSA. This year, we were notified that 1098 wasn't going to be available until second week of Feb, so I did a "will file" on the FAFSA in early Jan. </p>
<p>I selected 1040A for tax form used. I usually do it myself. </p>
<p>Do I need to do an efile for the DRT to work? The one online filing is using the 1040, not what I indicated on the FAFSA. We use the 1040A as we meet the Simplified Needs Test.</p>
<p>Can I just file the 1040A manually? Or does it need to be efiled, and will the 1040 be a problem with the Simplified Needs Test. </p>
<p>I have looked at some sites, but don't see an answer to this particular issue. </p>
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<p>I don’t understand this phrase. Are you saying the student is filing the 1040 or the parent? I think the simplified needs test is only based on the parent form. It will be a problem if it’s the parents. Do you know why a 1040 is being filed? You don’t need to e-file to use the DRT, it just takes longer for the IRS to process a paper return. </p>
<p>The tax software uses the 1040, not 1040A. </p>
<p>I already indicated I was using the 1040A on the FAFSA. I use the 1040A to qualify for the Simplified Needs Test.</p>
<p>If I efile, it will be the 1040, not the 1040A. Does this affect the Simplified Needs Test? </p>
<p>Will filing manually, the 1040A, cause a loss of financial aid in any way? </p>
<p>I was only using tax software to efile, so I could use the DRT more quickly. BUT,</p>
<p>will switching to the 1040 affect the Simplified Needs Test (1040A), as it stands, we don’t have to report any assets. </p>
<p>If you need to file the 1040A in order to get the Simplified Needs for FAFSA then you can do that electronically. On the IRS site they have a list of free filing software. The very first one I clicked on did offer the free filing of the 1040A form if your income met the free file limit (58,000).</p>
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<p>Generally, tax software will file the simplest return you qualify for. Why is it using the 1040? There should be a print return function that will show you what forms are being submitted. Is the software including a form that requires a 1040? You need to understand why the software is using the 1040 if you feel you qualify for a 1040A.</p>
<p>The software program I was using did not come from the IRS website, I know it uses the 1040.</p>
<p>But I will definitely check out the IRS website, thanks. </p>
<p>If in fact you do really, truly qualify for the 1040A but file the 1040 anyway, you can still qualify for the simplified means test. The question on the fafsa addresses that. But just be sure you really qualify.</p>
<p><a href=“https://fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1314/help/fotw14e.htm”>https://fafsa.ed.gov/fotw1314/help/fotw14e.htm</a></p>