<p>Thanks, Kelsmom! :)</p>
<p>I have helped many a student file his/her FAFSA!</p>
<p>I filed my taxes this weekend, so did my S.</p>
<p>I did an estimated FAFSA back on Jan 2.</p>
<p>Is there any reason to go in and update as “filed” now, even though I won’t be able to verify for, I’m hearing, a week or two?</p>
<p>I don’t mind updating twice, just wondering if there is any benefit. The numbers changed very slightly since I filed, not enough to affect EFC.</p>
<p>I’ve the exact same questions as ohiobassmom.</p>
<p>Also, to those who were able to link the tax returns to FAFSA: does the tool update the info on FAFSA? I know, the school will get the updated info. But, do we also get the same info?</p>
<p>I did go in today and update the numbers and status to “filed”. I figure I’ll go back in after a couple of weeks and do the IRS link if I can.</p>
<p>I needed to change a school anyway - we had 11 and he dropped one so I put the correct 10 on there. Won’t have to change schools again, at least.</p>
<p>I e-filed my tax return on 1/27/12, no need to file for my D.</p>
<p>I did the estimated FAFSA on 1/2/12.</p>
<p>On 1/28/12, after receiving information about my Federal return accepted, I corrected FAFSA from “will file” to “already completed” and manually type the exact same numbers as on my 1040. Signed and submitted on 1/28/12.</p>
<p>Today, I tried to use the IRS Data Retrieval toll and my numbers can be transferred back to FAFSA.</p>
<p>My problem is that since the numbers I typed in and retrieved are the exact same, I can’t submit this “corrected” version with this retrieval tool been used, because the system considering no changes been made.</p>
<p>On of my D’s schools requires this tool been used. How can I submit a correct one (with no numbers changes)? Thanks.</p>
<p>Bgkeystone, I had the same problem. It was very frustrating that I couldn’t save the changes since none of the numbers changed after using the IRS tool. I finally decided to slightly change the order in which we had the schools listed and it considered that enough of a change to then save it. You could even go back later and arrange the school order that you previously had, if needed. I think this is an overlooked flaw in the system.</p>
<p>Yes, you can wait. No need to change things in the interim, but not a problem if you did.</p>
<p>When you link, you have to remember to actually submit the changes once you import the information … I saw numerous students last year who used the link but didn’t actually submit the changes. You have to add the student & parent PIN and hit “submit.” You will be able to see the changes once they are processed, just like the schools will see them.</p>
<p>MSFdad - thank you! If I have an issue with the link, having already corrected the #s, that is what i will do. I guess I have to wait another two weeks though, until the IRS data is there…</p>
<p>I just updated/submitted the fafsa using the link. Hopefully it will work just fine. I signed in to the fafsa site, logged in, clicked the link that connects you to the IRS website and followed the few steps. That’s it! it seemed so simple that was a little concerned. I will call the schools in a few days to see if they have received it. </p>
<p>*** prior to using the link, I checked with the IRS (electronically submitted taxes) and it showed that the taxes had been processed ***</p>
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<p>Could you share the link to check the status? Or did you call them to find out?</p>
<p>Thanks.</p>
<p>we used H&R block to file taxes. We saved it to the desktop and I checked periodically. It showed today as being processed.</p>
<p>Let me be sure I understand this correctly…</p>
<p>After we file taxes online we have to wait 2 weeks before we can use the IRS data retrieval. </p>
<p>This is the preferred method because if we enter the tax numbers into FAFSA ourselves it is more likely to trigger verification. This is true even if we check “already filed.”</p>
<p>But if we wait 2 weeks we will probably have received our tax refund which inflates our assets.</p>
<p>Also if we try to use data retrieval when there is no change in the numbers it won’t work because there is nothing to “update.”</p>
<p>Am I missing something here? This sounds a bit silly to me!</p>
<p>**I should note that in our case the school has not asked us to use the retrieval tool, but they do require tax return copies from all students applying for aid. We have always been selected for verification (I suspect due to our relatively low income for our family size) so it may not really matter.</p>
<p>The asset amounts are a snapshot of the day you first filed FAFSA. Don’t change assets unless the number originally entered was wrong for that date.</p>
<p>I am talking about trying to file FAFSA once. We have done our taxes and are planning for a day later in the month for that “snapshot” just before payday.</p>
<p>NMSFdad - thanks. It’s a great idea. No need to change any numbers. Still beat the system to “update”. Then you can sign and submit.</p>
<p>I filed as head of household although I am married (long story). Does that make me ineligible to use to the IRS linking tool?</p>
<p>I don’t think so, because HOH is a single filing status. If you used it, you’re probably separated according to the IRS standard? Therefore not really married filing separately.</p>
<p>Filing status is not a factor in retrieval.</p>
<p>I thought married parents filing separately couldn’t use it?</p>
<p>[IFAP</a> - Dear Colleague Letters](<a href=“http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN1103.html]IFAP”>http://www.ifap.ed.gov/dpcletters/GEN1103.html)</p>
<p>I realize that refers to last year, so has this changed?</p>